EVERYONE went ‘quackers’ yesterday as the Rotary Club of Swindon and Old Town hosted its annual charity duck race.

Families flocked in huge numbers to Westcott Recreation Ground to see the little yellow ducks bobble towards the finishing line.

Chris Hext, senior vice president of the Rotary Club of Swindon and Old Town, said: “It’s just a great community day out for everyone and we raise a lot of money for charity.

“This is our 15th year running it – we sell the ducks from Christmas, people pay a pound for individual ducks, corporate drakes are £50 or they can get a gold one for £100.

“We’ve also started doing a school race as well where the schools decorate their own ducks, the kids go mad for that one.”

The top prize was £1,000 with six prizes of £100.

“A minimum of 20 per cent goes of the money made goes to our chosen charity and then the rest is spread between local Rotary-supported charities from there,” said Chris.

Over the last nine years, the duck race has raised over £135,000 for local charities.

This year, the Rotary Club have chosen SCWAD – Swindon’s Children Without a Diagnosis – as the main recipient.

SCWAD is a support group for parents and carers who have rare chromosomal or metabolic disorders or who remain undiagnosed. With around 10,000 ducks bought they are sure to benefit greatly.

Charlotte Mannion, Rotary member said: “There are probably about 20 volunteers who work hard to put this event on.

"We were down at the river yesterday making it sure it was all clear of rubbish for the race today, I learnt to use a strimmer which I particularly enjoyed. Then we were back here early in the morning setting up the tents and the marquees – we enjoy it, it’s great fun.”

Gary Walker, 53, of Dartmoor Close, said: “It’s been really busy today. Everyone seems to have enjoyed themselves – we’ve sold plenty of ducks.”

Janet Shorey, 58, of Cirencester said: “Me and my husband John come here every year. We always buy a duck, but we haven’t won yet. It’s a great place for families to bring their kids and we’ve been really lucky with the weather.”

Good friends Raymond Brown, 75, and Valerie Morgan, 76 are also regulars visitors to the duck race.

“It’s a very popular event and we’ve been for the past three years,” said Valerie. “We’ll certainly be coming back next year.”