A TEAM of police officers and police staff from across North Ayrshire braved the elements at Irvine Harbour on Saturday to compete in the 2014 Dragon Boat Challenge.

Held as part of the town’s annual Marymass Festival the event attracts teams from the local area all competing for the winner’s trophy.

Despite the heavy rain and wind at times the atmosphere was brilliant with all 15 teams fully embracing the challenge.

Following three initial heats the North Ayrshire Police team were one of four teams in the final race which saw teams paddle furiously towards the finish line.

The police team came in first and were presented with medals and a trophy by Joan Sturgeon Provost of North Ayrshire.

Team Skipper Chief Inspector Tim Ross said: “This is the first year we have entered a team in the dragon boat challenge at Marymass.

“We would like to thank everyone involved on the day, our fellow competitors and to the spectators for contributing to the success of the event.

“We are already formulating plans for next year’s event.”