THE sun shone as the crowds went quackers for one of the most delightful highlights of the town’s social calendar.

Two thousand rubber duckies were released into Bradshaw Brook for Turton Rotary Club’s annual duck race.

People had a splashtastic time as they followed their ducks which raced down the 60 metre course in a hope of winning the prize money on offer.

Thanks to the gorgeous weather, the brook was not as fast-flowing as it has been in previous years and conditions were perfect for the annual race.

There were two races with the best four from each going beak-to-beak in the final race to find the overall winner.

There was a special race for kids too in which 58 excited youngsters raced their ducks. Thanks to the rotarians none got stuck and were all the ducks were able to cross the finishing line.

The duck race as well as being a fun traditional event also raises thousands of pounds for worthy causes.

Jim Turner, services project manager, said: “We had perfect weather and everyone was enjoying themselves.

“This is our 24th annual duck race and next year we will do something a little special to make the 25th anniversary.

“It is a good local event, in which the Rotary Club sell tickets and also local causes and charities are invited to sell tickets to raise money for their work, they keep all the money the make through the tickets. The event is also sponsored by local organisations, this year we had about 100 sponsors and 50 charities selling tickets.

“The money the rotary club makes also goes to supporting causes, locally, nationally and internationally.”

The overall winning duck belong to Claudia Turner, who won the £1,000 prize money.

Turton Rotary Club also announced its plans to set up a satellite club to involve more people, particularly young people and those who do not have much time to get involved in community projects, on which they can take the lead on.

More details of the scheme will be revealed at Egerton Party in the Park on July 14.