It’s not every day that Roman centurions find themselves in battle against the cast from Grease – while a quartet of bananas watch on. Then again, it’s not every day that Porthleven Raft Race takes place.

This year looked a little like a particularly strange episode of Horrible Histories, as the Romans challenged the 1950s-style raft.

The battle was not just confined to the racing, but began on the start line as competitors threw flour and water bombs at each other.

It was then time to test the sea worthiness of the homemade rafts – and fortunately this year’s conditions proved perfect, with a calm and sunny day for the popular annual event.

Watching from the sidelines was Cornwall Councillor Andy Wallis, who reported that all entries were “in fine humour” throughout the entire proceedings.

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet: