A COUPLE of hundred plastic ducks made a big splash for Kidderminster Carnival and raised £200 towards this year's main charity – the Wyre Forest NIghtstop and Mediation Service.

Carnival Queen Jessica Campbell, 15, launched the annual duck race on the River Stour from the bridge next to Tesco on Saturday afternoon.

Committee members and a Nightstop representative had been busy selling duck tickets outside the supermarket and in the town centre throughout the day.

Downstream from the duck race lunch Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) volunteers donned their rescue gear and waded into the river to retrieve the ducks as they crossed the finishing line.

First passed the post was duck number two bought by Jane Maguire, who wins two tickets to see Jethro at Kidderminster Town Hall on July 18.

The runner up prize of two tickets to see Paul Daniels at the town hall on September 19 went to Mollie Newman who bought duck number 39 and third place went to duck number 45 bought on behalf of youngster Tyler Padfield, who wins two tickets to see Snakecharmer at the town hall on May 12.

Carnival chairman Colin Hill said: “Thanks to those who supported the race – the money raised helps boost the amount the carnival can give to charity, which this year is Nightstop, helping young homeless people in the district.”