A SUDDEN downpour of rain couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of the crowds watching as more than ten thousand rubber ducks floated down the stream by the Westcott Recreation Ground yesterday for the exciting conclusion of the 15th annual Duck Race.

The owner of the fastest duck surely went quackers when they won the £1,000 prize and the owners of the ducks who came second to seventh each won £100.

A day of family fun and games preceded the grand finale, with charity stalls, cakes, and crafts for crowds to browse while they waited for the big races to begin.

The popular annual event was organised by the Swindon Old Town Rotary Club.

Rotary Club president Chris Hext enjoyed the day, despite the rain.

He said: "It's a great family event, we've got around 3,000 people on the field and the new mayor Maureen Penny's come along to start the duck race.

"In our first year, we sold 400 ducks and every year since it's mushroomed and grown."

First came the Drakes Race for local businesses, then the schools' duck race, then the main event.

More than £13,000 was raised for worthy causes last year and organisers are hoping to match or beat that total with this year's quacktacular race.

A dog show with categories like 'Waggiest Tail', 'Dog Most Like Its Owner' and 'Prettiest Bitch' was held at the event by local company Lucy Pet Carer.

The race was sponsored by Nationwide, who also supported the dog show along with the Swindon Designer Outlet.

Proceeds from this year's race went to the Brighter Futures radiotherapy appeal and Wiltshire Treehouse, which provides bereavement support for children and young people, while Lucy Pet Carer raised money for the Blue Cross.

Owner Lucy Candy said: "The dog show's gone really well, it's really enjoyable and much busier than last year.

"This year, 168 dogs entered and the winner was a white and fluffy Double Merle called Ellie, she's blind and deaf but she's amazing."