DOZENS of kayakers took to the water for a challenge that raised £3,500 for Hoylake and West Kirby lifeboat stations.

The donation was presented to volunteer crew members from the two Wirral lifeboat stations at an event on Saturday hosted by Whitt's End Wine & Cocktail Bar.

Claire House was also presented with a donation for the same amount to support its work caring for seriously and terminally ill children and young people.

Founded in 2012 by Mike Dudley, the Wirral Kayak Challenge is a fundraising event that sees intrepid kayakers of all abilities taking to the sea for a 14-mile paddle, setting off from New Brighton and heading around Hilbre Island before returning to the shore at Thurstaston.

This year's challenge took place on Sunday July 28.

Hoylake RNLI’s Shannon class lifeboat Edmund Hawthorn Micklewood took time out from a crew training exercise on the day to greet and support the colourful flotilla of kayaks on the first leg of its journey around the Wirral coast.

After the presentation to the two charities, Hoylake RNLI Coxswain Andy Dodd said: "The Wirral Kayak Challenge is a fantastic fundraising event that supports great local causes and encourages people to come together and enjoy our local coastline safely.

"We would like to thank the organisers and all of the kayakers who took part in the event for raising an incredible £3,500 for the RNLI.

"Their amazing efforts will help us to continue saving lives at sea."