HUNDREDS of bright yellow ducks took to the Ashton Keynes stretch of the River Thames for the village's annual race.

Thirteen-year-old Dan Mills was one of the lucky winners on a day that raised more than £1,000 for his local football club.

Terry Clee, who was one of the villagers that came up with the original idea back in 1988, was on hand to start the Boxing Day tradition.

Terry, who was on the Ashton Keynes football club committee when they set upon the fundraiser, said: "We wanted something simple to do that didn't take a lot of time and commitment that would raise enough finance to enable the kids to play football without having to beg people.

"We were sat around and someone said I've got 500 plastic ducks sitting in my roof' and we decided nothing really happens on Boxing Day so it would be ideal to get people out of their houses."

The race has grown over the years and yesterday more than 400 turned out to buy a ticket and urge the ducks on.

Terry, who still lives in Ashton Keynes, said: "It's amazing and it's not just villagers now, people come in from outside which is very good.

"What I really like is the enthusiasm of everyone to keep it going, it's really excellent."

As well as helping the youngsters from the under eights team to the under 13s the village play group will also benefit from the money raised.

Terry said: "It's developed now to help other groups. It helps village organisations that are anything to do with children. It's a day for the children and it's great to bring so many people together."

Organiser Simon O'Neill, who is chairman of the football club, said: "We raised about £1,500 last year and the most important thing is the pups team because that introduces kids of five or six to the game."

The weather held up yesterday and Simon said: "We don't mind anything as long as it doesn't rain."

Dan Mills, who plays in defence for the village's under 13s team, won one of the first prizes of £50.

Dan, of South Cerney said: "I've been coming to this for five years and it's a good thing to do on Boxing Day. I don't know what I will spend it on but it's a good thing to have at Christmas."