BASINGSTOKE Loddon Rotary’s annual duck race broke all previous records and rewarded St Michael's Hospice with a final donation of £3,000 this week.

The donation from Basingstoke Loddon Rotary came after a record attendance was achieved on May 27 at Bartons Mill pub, despite the weather.

The turnout and generosity surpassed all previous events, generating a 'quacking' result for St Michael's Hospice.

Donald Duck even made a guest appearance in Festival Place, prior to the event, to drum up awareness and raise some extra pennies, posing for photos with fans, as adults and children participated in ‘Dip for a Duck’.

READ MORE: Get ready to quack! Basingstoke Duck Race returns with fun for all ages

The funds raised at the event came from the race events, ticket sales, and the fun activities run on the day, and the very generous donation of the top prize - four Merlin Passes sponsored by Barons Estate Agent’s in Basingstoke.

The final total was increased by Sky, which donated £1,000 in a fund-matching scheme it runs, taking the grand total to £3,000.

St Michaels Hospice has to raise £15,000 per day to run their plans and services.  This covers both on-site and community care. 

Basingstoke Loddon Rotary will be running more events in the coming months, raising more money for local charities and those in need.

If you feel you can spare some of your time, to help the Rotary volunteers, meet new people and make new friends, please feel free to join them at their next meeting on the September 9 at the Gabardine Bar in Basingstoke from 7pm. It's free and everyone is welcome.