Quackers for duck race in Bewdley

A traditional duck race is set to bring hundreds of visitors flocking to a Midland town on New Year's Day.

Residents and visitors will line the banks of the River Severn at Bewdley to watch as the colourful plastic ducks are plunged into the water from the town's historic bridge.

People will be able to hire a plastic duck from 10am or can enter their own home-made ducks. The birds have to be made from plastic, wood or even feathers.

The fastest duck across the finish line will be declared the winner of the annual event.

There will also be a best-dressed duck contest open to creative youngsters. The event will begin at the bridge, off Load Street, at noon when families can gather to watch them travel along the river to the finish.

Hiring and registering a duck costs £3 and all money raised goes to support good causes nominated by organisers, the Kidderminster and District Lions Club.

Club chairman Ron Cross said everyone was invited to take part in the race or simply come along to watch the fun.