DRAGONS breathed life into a fundraising event staged on the River Tees at the weekend.

Fifteen teams from businesses around the region took to the river at Stockton, on Saturday, to take part in dragon boat racing to raise money for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

Dragon boat racing involves long, colourful boats, decorated with a dragon's head and tail, which are raced on water by crews of ten paddlers, plus a drummer and helm.

Even a team of Guide Dog staff from the Hull area competed against teams from Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre, Stockton, Yorkshire Bank, Ask Alex, Corus and Mecca Bingo.

Jackie Potter, the area's fundraising manager for the Guide Dogs for the Blind, said: "We are grateful to the teams that competed.

"Not only was there enjoyment to be gained from competing in the races, there was also the rewarding experience of raising money for guide dogs."