BEWDLEY’s annual New Year’s Day duck race which was postponed this year after the town was blighted by heavy rain has been rescheduled.

The popular event, which is held from the town’s bridge, in Load Street, will now take place on Easter Monday, April 1.

The New Year’s Day race had to be called off a day before the plastic ducks were due to take to the River Severn, following fears about high river levels after days of heavy downpours.

Kidderminster and District Lions Club, who organise the event, were left disappointed by the cancellation. They said the river was too high and fast-flowing for the ducks to be retrieved safely from the river at the end of the race.

This year was the first time in about 20 years the traditional race had not taken place on January 1.

Thousands of people were expected to flock to the town for the event, which sees participants launch ducks, many home-made and from avariety of materials, into the River Severn for charity.

A total of £2,500 was raised for the lions’ charities in 2011 .

The event saw more than 2,000 spectators line the banks of the River Severn to watch 884 ducks in the water.

The first duck race took place in the town in 1985 and has grown in popularity since, attracting many visitors as well as its residents.

Ducks are plunged into the water and the winner is the first to cross the finish line.

There are also prizes for the fastest and best-dressed duck.