BRIGHTLY coloured plastic ducks raced along a river, much to the delight of children watching from the banks.

The annual event at The Millstone Pub, in Old Basing, attracted hundreds of people who paid £1 to race one of the ducks along the River Loddon.

Organised by Basingstoke Loddon Rotary Club, the Duck Race raises money for St Michael’s Hospice, in Aldermaston Road, and other charities, with the aim of generating £1,500.

Families watched as the ducks were released into the river, and bobbed along the water to the finish line.

There were four races in total with the winners of each heat going on to compete in a grand final for the chance to win a flight in a private plane or a hamper.

John Bonner, who organised the event for the club, said: “This is the third year that we have run the Duck Race, and it gets bigger every year. The weather wasn’t perfect but there were a good number of people who have come along.”

There were 2,000 tickets for sale to race a duck, and by 2pm on Monday, 1,600 had been bought.

Families gathered in the gardens of Barton’s Mill pub to watch the races.

Mr Bonner said: “Last year, we raised £2,000. It’s good fun for the children and the adults can have a drink in the pub while the children watch the race.”