AN annual duck race brought hundreds of people to the banks of the River Severn on New Year's Day.

The charity event saw around 750 people enter rubber ducks into the Bewdley race, which raised over £2000 in funds to support the area.

Last year's Duck Race was cancelled by organisers Kidderminster and District Lions Club due to the river's high water levels.

Participants lined Load Street Bridge at noon to throw their rubber ducks into the river, with the Mayor of Bewdley, Councillor Roger Coleman, firing the starting gun.

The ducks then battled it out down stream to the finish line at Lax Lane.

The winner of the race was duck number 75, which belonged to Andy Mcdonald from Stroud.

There was also a Best Dressed Duck competition, which was judged by Mayor Coleman, and won by 8-year-old Annie Pettican.

Ron Cross, president of the Kidderminster and District Lions Club, said: "The event went very well, the weather was kind to us, and the river was even kinder.

"We had an enormous crowd, and everybody seemed to enjoy themselves.

"We are extremely grateful to the Wyre Forest and Stourbridge canoe clubs for quickly collecting the ducks from the river.

"We now need to get the ducks dry and clean ready for next year's race."

The Severn Area Rescue Association were also thanked for  providing safety cover on the river, as well as the Rotary  Club of Bewdley for their assistance in crowd control and  road safety.