It was a quacking day of fun in Bordon as crowds flocked to the riverbanks of the Deadwater Valley Nature Reserve to watch rubber ducks go beak-to-beak in a race for glory.

On Wednesday, July 30, the Deadwater Valley Trust (DVT) hosted their annual duck race, drawing in families for a day filled with flapping fun.

Children enjoyed duck hunts, spotting duck names along the course, and taking part in colouring and word search activities between the splashy showdowns.

Community ranger Julie Reid said: “We were delighted to see so many people on the riverbank enjoying the morning.

“The duck race is one of our oldest events and we love seeing families come back year after year to cheer the ducks on.”

Last year the event featured its very first Business Duck Race with local businesses invited to sponsor a duck.

This year 25 local businesses sponsored a total of 38 ducks with many of them coming along to cheer their ducks in the race . Artificia1 managed to take both first and second place.

The River Deadwater lived up to its name as low rainfall meant the ducks had a leisurely journey downstream.

The ducks were released by DVT Chair Nora Dobson and Whitehill & Bordon Deputy Mayor Linda Delve.

An early pack formed and took the lead all the way before a photo finish on the line meant Duck 161 took victory by a beak.

First place and sponsor of Duck 161 Kevin said: “What a great family event from the award winning team.

“My grandchildren loved the duck search, colouring sheets and of course the thrill of the racing.

“The prized DVT cup is very much appreciated, along with the winnings. Thank you rangers and volunteers!”

All of the money raised by the duck race goes into supporting the DVTs activities and events on the sites it manages for local children, families and groups.