Punters go quackers for duck race at Bradshaw Brook

Turton Rotary Club held its annual duck race yesterday which raises thousands of pounds for charity every year.

The popular event attracted scores of people and children enjoyed the excitement of their own special duck race.

They lined the brook to cheer on their ducks, willing them to go faster.

A total of 2,000 rubber duckies were dropped into the water as the races got underway watched by around 150 people.

Jim Turner, from Turton Rotary Club, said: “The duck race went really well.

“The conditions were perfect, we thought with the rain the brook might be flowing too fast, and a few weeks ago with the dry spell we thought it would be too slow, but it was perfect. We had 76 children taking part in their duck race with Shannon Parkinson winning that race.”

Every year the duck race raises thousands for different charities and local organisations, including Turton Rotary Club and other rotary clubs.

Some of the many charities to benefit this year include Lagan’s Foundation, Walmsley Unitarian Church, Griffin Explorers and Derian House.

Mr Turner said: “The duck race has probably been going now for 25 years and it has grown over the years.

“It has become a part of the social calender.

“A number of charities sell tickets to raise money and we and other rotary clubs sell tickets too.

“This year we have had a lot of local businesses support the duck race and from that alone we have raised £2,000 for which we are very grateful.”

A number of races were held throughout the event with 36 ducks going on into the final race in a bid to win one of the cash prizes.

The first prize of £1,000 went to Jon Makin from Little Lever, second prize of £200 went to Edith Pierce from Horwich, the third prize of £100 went to Graham Howarth, fourth prize of £75 went to Joy Sherlock and fifth prize of £50 was won by Roy Edge.

Mr Turner said: “The winners were pleased, Edith was delighted – she said she had never won anything in her life before.”