Charities were the winners of this year's Polypipe Regatta after the event raised £11,000 for good causes.

Almost 50 boats containing more than 400 members of the plumbing, heating and construction sectors took to the Port Solent in Portsmouth to participate in the competition.

Builders merchant Elliots took home the grand prize, narrowly beating runner-up, law firm Squire Patton Boggs. Heating and plumbing supplier Williams & Co came third.

Money raised went to charity Help for Heroes, which supports service personnel and military veterans, and the John Merricks Sailing Trust, which teaches young people how to sail.

The two-day event included a day of sailing and celebration evening of food, live music and entertainment.

An auction and raffle raised more than £8,000, and surplus food from the event was donated to the LifeHouse homeless shelter in Southsea.

Vince Miles, Divisional Sales Director at Polypipe, said: “Over the last two decades, the Polypipe Regatta has developed into a hugely popular event that never disappoints.

“This year was no exception, with so many supporters of the event again making the trip to Portsmouth to join us for the celebrations.

“Help for Heroes and the John Merricks Sailing Trust are charities close to our hearts and all of the Polypipe team are proud to know that the money raised really does make a difference to the lives of so many.”