Red Business Duck Race winners in the Great Ilkley Duck Race revealed

A drinks and nibbles reception for 25, sponsored by Ilkley Ticket Office Bar, awaits Stanningley-based Funeral Director Jayne. E. Verity, who took first prize with Duck No.022. Jayne, who heads up the independent family-run business, which was founded 35 years ago, plans to treat colleagues, family and friends.

“We attended the Duck Race as a family and could see straight away the time and effort that went into making the event a success,” she said. “It was a pleasure to support the worthy causes, and quite a surprise to find we had won!”

A shopping spree around Ilkley, with a £250 Ilkley Town Centre Gift card, sponsored by Ilkley BID was the second prize, won by Mayfield View Care Home, Ilkley, with Duck Number 092.

Second prize winners: Manager Katie Cliff and Deputy Manager Sally Carter Of Mayfield View Care Home, Lower Railway Road, Ilkley (Image: submitted)

Care Home Manager Katie Cliff said: “What a fantastic prize. We can organise outings for some of our 78 residents, or we can buy treats for others – we have such a wide choice of how this can be spent on our residents.”

Taking third prize was Wilkinson Butchers, of Brook Street, Ilkley, whose Duck Number 003 brought them home two Magnums of Champagne, sponsored by the Ilkley Business Forum.

Third prize winner, Kate Newton of Wilkinson Butcher, Brook Street, Ilkley (Image: submitted)

Shop manager Kate Newton, who is the granddaughter of the J B Wilkinson who founded the business in 1936, said: “I am just back from a short holiday and to find we had won came as big surprise. I haven’t had time to think about how we will use them but they won’t be going in the shop window – we will be drinking them – perhaps at Christmas.”

Only a hundred red ducks, for which companies pay a premium £50, take part in the Red Duck Business Race, which kicks off the annual duck race on the River Wharfe, organised by Ilkley Wharfedale Rotary Club.

“The Business Race alone will raise almost £5,000,” said Treasurer Chris Jones. “All the businesses who took part are listed on our website with some great photographs, and we commend them all for their support. Take a look on our website to see who they are – search Ilkley Wharfedale Rotary.”