The Sutton Scouts victoriously rose above all at Aquafest's raft races after many years without a win.

This year's standout event took place at Lavender Green in Ely from 9am on Sunday.

Competing scouts from across the Ely District were entrusted with the task of constructing their own rafts using timber poles and plastic oil drums.

Key to the event's success was the demonstration of their knowledge of knots and lashings in the building process.

Scouts had to construct their own rafts using timber poles and plastic oil drums Scouts had to construct their own rafts using timber poles and plastic oil drums (Image: Submitted)

Two heated races were held before the final contest, with only one team's raft partially falling apart during the races.

In the end, it was the Sutton Scouts who navigated their tough competition to finally bring the trophy home.

This summer, scouts are taking on the 'Outdoors in 24' challenge, designed to inspire young people to experience something new in the great outdoors.

This initiative and others like the raft race are made possible due to the support of scout volunteers, who ensure safety precautions are met.

Water and land teams are always prepared to provide aid, rescue efforts and offer advice on hand.

Mark, Jamie and Isaac, a team from the Ely Explorer Scouts brims with confidence, saying: "This year we've outdone ourselves, our raft is unsinkable.

"It's the Titanic of rafts."

Ben Watson, a volunteer for Littleport 1st Scout, confidently expressed the spirit of competition, saying: "The aquafest races are a real high spot in our scouts' calendar.

"It's great to compete with our neighbouring groups and next year we will definitely take home the trophy."

Sutton Scouts triumph at Aquafest with first raft race victory in years Sutton Scouts triumph at Aquafest with first raft race victory in years (Image: Submitted)

Ely District Scouts lead volunteer, Graham Smith, praised the efforts, saying: "Every year we run this I am always amazed at the abilities and confidence our young people show.

"Scouting provides much needed opportunity for young people to do things for themselves and learn skills for life."

Scouting in Cambridgeshire currently hosts weekly activities for young aspiring individuals aged 4 to 24.

With a staggering figure of 2,000 more young people lined up to join, the demand for loyal volunteers intensifies.

Anyone interested in volunteering and learning new skills such as water activities training can reach out to their local scout group or find them online.