The team line up to celebrate victory

Staff and students from a Preston university have shown they are oar-some once again.

The University of Central Lancashire retained their crown as dragon boat racing champions of the North West.

A 16-strong team beat Manchester, Liverpool, Lancashire and Edge Hill during the race on Preston Docks.

Councillor Veronica Afrin, mayor of Preston, handed out the trophy to the UCLan team.

The Deputy Director of UCLan’s Confucius Institute, Professor Gang Sui, commented: “We are delighted to once again win the dragon boat race. Despite heavy rain we received a lot of support and attracted a great crowd who very much enjoyed this Chinese tradition. We are already looking forward to taking part in this popular community event again next year.”