Thousands in a flap over duck race

Thousands of people got the new year off to a quacking start by setting a new record for attendances at an annual duck race in the Wyre Forest.

More than 2,000 people showed up to watch the event in Bewdley yesterday, and nearly 600 people entered ducks to take part in the race.

Organisers say the event has raised more than £1,000 for local charities and the Lions Club International charity which aims to prevent blindness throughout the world.

Ducks ranged from synthetic ones people could buy to colourful and crazy home-made models. Spectators cheered as the ducks were dropped from the historic Bewdley Bridge to get the much-loved race under way.

The fastest duck was owned by 12-year-old Tom Scriven, from Kidderminster, who was presented with a special plaque.

Three-year-old Livi Bailey, also from Kidderminster, won the best dressed duck award.

Her colourful silver and yellow paper duck grabbed the eye of judges. Lions Club spokesman Colin Hill said: "It really was bigger and better than ever before with record crowds lining the banks and a record number of 575 entries of ducks on the water.

"This event has really taken off over the past 20 or so years and attracts more and more people every year."

"It has become regarded as a must-visit event on New Year's Day for many people, some who come from long distances away from the Wyre Forest."

The event was followed by the Lions' annual Viennese Concert in Kidderminster Town Hall, with music from the Midland Concert Orchestra.