THE annual New Year's Day duck race in Bewdley has been postponed for the second year in a row.

The traditional race, which raises about £3,000 each year for local good causes, was due to take place tomorrow but has been called off due to high river levels and the speed of the water. Members of Wyre Forest Canoe Club said they would not be able to collect the ducks safely.

It will be re-scheduled but organisers - Kidderminster and District Lions Club - have not chosen a new date yet. This year's race was moved to Easter Monday, April 1.

Tony Rhoden, a member of the Lions, said: "We are disappointed. It is the second time in 12 months we have had to do this and we were lucky with the Easter one this year.

"It raises so much money and it brings a lot of people into the town on a day when most likely there would be very little to do in the town."

The event sees participants launch plastic ducks, many home-made, into the River Severn at noon from the bridge on Load Street, with prizes for the fastest duck and the best dressed duck.

The 2013 race was won by three-year-old Harry Carr. The best-dressed duck contest was won by Max Barton and his parents Robert and Lea.