Fearless paddlers took to choppy waters in a battle of the bathtubs.

Dozens of spectators arrived at Littlehampton to watch the Incredible Arun Bathtub Race yesterday.

The event organiser was thrilled with the event’s success – despite the draining day.

The race, in aid of Chestnut Tree House, was won by Bam Nuttall’s Bam Trolls, who tackled the tides in their makeshift cave.

The prize for best dressed went to a team of Indians and their bath which was complete with a tepee and camp fire.

Over the last two years Arundel Festival organisers hosted their own race without Martin Harvey, 43, who was at the helm for the last 12 years.

He set up a rival race the day before the festival after encouragement from friends and fans.

He said: “I’ve had such great support from everyone saying they want me to organise it, and they said if I ran it they’d enter my race – so that’s what I did.

“We’ve got a great core team here and some hardcore fans, so plans are already in place for next year’s event.

“We had a load of people come to watch, we had excellent weather and we raised lots of money for Chestnut Tree House – so all in all it was a good day.

“We’re still totting up the total, but we think it’ll be in the region of £300 to £400.”

The Arundel Festival’s rival bathtub race takes place today.

All craft must be built around a normal household bath and can’t use parts from marine craft or contain an engine.