A RECORD amount of cash was netted for charities during the annual Kidderminster Carnival duck race.

More than £800 was collected through the sale of ducks at £1 each in advance of last Saturday’s race along a short stretch of the River Stour from Tesco’s Bridge.

The winners came in with a clear margin of victory, as many of the plastic bath ducks had to be given a helping hand as they drifted towards the banks.

Stopping them from being marooned were members of the Severn Area Rescue Association, who ensured a straight passage along the course and retrieved all the contestants from the winning line.

First place went to duck number 118, bought by eight-year-old Abbie Edwards, from Hampshire, who was visiting Kidderminster grandparents Marie and Terry Edwards, of Carlisle Avenue, with sister Laura, 12.

Second place went to Cathy Court, of Goldthorn Road, Kidderminster, who won tickets for the Severn valley Railway, and a £10 Tesco voucher went to local man Robert Thompson, of Stourbridge Road, whose duck came in third.

“We sold all the ducks which, I think, was a first and I would like to thank all those who helped and who supported our fun fund-raiser,” said carnival chairman Steve Walker.

This year’s charities are the Odell Trust for adults with learning difficulties, Noah’s Ark for bereaved children and young people, the Kidderminster Exservice Association and SARA - the Severn Area Rescue Association.