ORGANISERS say the 46th annual staging of the Monmouth Raft Race is heading towards being one of the most successful ever in terms of cash raised.

The annual River Wye race, organised by Monmouth Rotary Club, saw a bumper flotilla of rafts take to the waters in September.

The bulk of the money raised will be donated to this year's nominated charity, St David's Foundation, with the remainder going to other local charities.

Rotarian Norman Williams said: "The 2011 raft race was once again a huge success.

"We are now looking forward to be being able to hand over a substantial amount of money to St David's Foundation to help them to continue to provide their vital hospice in the home services throughout Gwent.

"We've already collected £16,600 and there are just under half the 57 entrants who've still to hand in their sponsorship money so we're confident that figure will increase quite considerably.

"I would expect the eventual total to get to around £20,000 by December. This estimate is based on previous years' experience but, in these uncertain times, nobody really knows what affect the current national financial predicament will have on that estimate."

This year's entrants who have not yet submitted sponsorship money, are requested to get this in by next Friday (11th November).

Kris Broome, of St David's Foundation, said: "We're absolutely thrilled that this year's event was so successful and we're now gearing up for next year's event, which will be on Sunday 2nd September.

"We'd like to thank Monmouth Rotary for organising such a superb event this year and especially all the hardy souls, many of whom return year after year, for taking part in the raft race."

For full details on how to enter the 2012 race visit monmouthraftrace.com or call Rotarian David Forbes on 01600 712665 or Kris Broome at St David's Foundation on 01633 271364.