A WET start to the day did little to dampen guests’ spirits as they flocked to the annual Swindon Old Town Rotary Club duck race to see 10,000 yellow rubber toys drift their way to victory.

The fun challenge saw scores of families cheer as their sponsored ducks were dropped into the water and made their way to the finish line underneath Wootton Bassett Road.

Now in its 13th year, the event was staged in aid of various charities, including the Wessex Children’s Hospice. It was hoped the fun day would match last year’s fundraising total of £15,000.

As well as the main race at 3.30pm, children enjoyed fun rides and their parents a variety of stalls set up on the playing field opposite the Runner pub. They were also invited to enter their favourite pet into an RSPCA dog show.

Eddie Sims, Swindon Old Town Rotary Club secretary, said: “We have had around 3,000 people here today and we’ve sold more than 11,500 ducks. It’s really the best community event in Swindon.”

Last year the event, sponsored by Nationwide, supported Swindon Foodbank, CALM, Hop, Skip and Jump and the MS Therapy Centre among many other local groups.