HUNDREDS of rowers have raised nearly £20,000 for a new children’s play area at Warrington Hospital.

Warrington and Halton Hospitals’ Charity is currently on a drive to raise £100,000 for a new outdoor children’s play area.

Last month, 11 teams headed to Manley Mere near Frodsham to take part in a day of dragon boat racing for the play area fund.

The day became the most successful fundraiser in the charity’s history, with the 167 rowers raising a total of £18,000.

Hair Force 1, captained by the on-site hairdressers at Warrington Hospital, were crowned the winning team on the day.

Warrington and Halton Hospitals’ Charity fundraising manager Helen Higginson said: “May I sincerely say a huge thank you to all who took part and supported this fabulous, fun day out on the water.

“Our 167 participants really made a huge splash.”

The dragon boat fundraiser will be held again next year on Sunday, July 1.