WATCH as hundreds flock to take part in annual Duck Race

The Bewdley event returned to its annual New Year's Day date after the event was moved due to high river levels last year.

And members of Kidderminster and District Lions Club, which organises the race, today hailed the event a success.

A cascade of rubber ducks were thrown into the water from Bewdley bridge at around 12 noon on the day. More than 600 ducks battled along the river as people waited to see which would pass the finish line at Lax Lane first.

This year the winning duck belonged to 10-month-old Evan Pountney from Bewdley whose duck was the best of the bunch.

Evan and his family were presented with a trophy and £10 prize money.

Organiser of the event, Colin Hill, said: "The day went really well, the weather and water were both really kind to us.

"In previous years we have had to reschedule due to the water being too rough or too high but this year it was perfect weather.

"It was a really great start to the New Year for Bewdley, we had a really nice turn out with the amount of people that registered."

It cost £3 to rent and register a duck or people could bring along their own duck for £1 with all the money raised going to good causes.

President for the Kidderminster Lions, Ron Cross added: "We have been running the race for around 25 years and it is always a great event.

"It was fantastic to hold it on New Years Day.

"We owe thanks to the Severn Area Rescue Associate who are always on hand to help us with any emergencies.

"Also, to the Wyre Forest Canoe Club who help select the winner and then go and collect all of the ducks for us after."