THE annual Deadwater Valley Trust Duck Race drew in a “quackers” bunch of spectators.

The popular event saw Deadwater Valley Trust chairman Nora Dobson and the Whitehill mayor Colin Leach release 200 ducks into the River Deadwater.

In the first of two heats, 100 ducks splashed down the course, with the final 20 from each sent down river in a final heat.

Deadwater community ranger Jenny Clarke said, that with 50 participants, the turnout had been “great”.

The first duck across the line was number 10, belonging to Terry Hooper; second was number 124, belonging to Geoffrey Godfrey, and third was number four, also belonging to Mr Hooper.

And bobbing gently into last place was Chris Wain’s number 30.