THREATENING clouds didn’t put off the crowds flocking to Elstead Mill for the hotly-contested annual Elstead Duck Race.

This event is run by the governors of St James Primary School to raise funds for residential trips and capital building projects at the school, and this year just topped its record of £2,000.

Three hundred ducks raced in three heats along the River Wey from the Mill Pond to Elstead Bridge, with the first 20 of each heat competing in the grand final.

The overall winner of the £50 first prize and duck plate trophy was Lucy Brooks with her duck called Ducky McDuck.

Heat winners also received trophy egg cups, hand decorated and donated by Ceramimagic.

There was also a hotly contested giant duck race with 16 ducks sponsored by businesses racing against the St James devil duck. This year’s very closely run race saw Elstead Dentists take the prize.

Bev Cook, co-chairman of governors at St James,said: “We are delighted that this fun event has raised such a great sum for the governors’ fund.

“This year we need to raise some £18,000 to cover our contribution to enlarging a classroom and making essential repairs to the hall ceiling and lighting whilst also making sure we can meet our commitment to help ensure all our children can take part in residential trips, whatever their family circumstances.”

The school children had all decorated 3D ducks for the annual best-dressed-duck competition. The winners were Amber Porter and Esme Porter.

*For more great pictures from the Elstead Duck Race, see this week’s Farnham Herald.