THOUSANDS of plastic ducks splashed their way down the River Thames in Lechlade during bank holiday weekend, in a race to the finish line at a popular charity event.

The second annual Lechlade Duck Race saw nearly 4,000 people head to the Riverside in Lechlade to enjoy a day of family fun, food and festivities.

"It went really well, we are so chuffed," said organiser Ali Hedworth. "We had absolutely no idea that for last year's event we would have around 5,000 people descending on the little town of Lechlade and we were just not prepared.

"This year we made sure we had extra parking, extra toilets and extra food as well. We didn't have one single complaint."

The event saw around 4,000 little plastic ducks thrown off Lechlade's Halfpenny Bridge to race to the finish line. Visitors also enjoyed funfair rides, 38 local stalls, a mobile farm and also a mobile climbing wall.

"Last year was our first time," added Ali. "Looking at how happy the people were this year I think we exceeded last year. People seemed really pleased. There were some really good comments."

Lechlade Duck Race is due to be held every year from now on and Ali has already said that next year he will make sure there are more ice cream vans, as the queues were so long.

Last year the duck race raised £16,500 for local charities, which organisers could not believe. This year the amount is expected to be a little lower, due to staff making sure parking was managed correctly. This year 60 per cent of funds will go to the Royal Air Force Association, 30 per cent will go to Cotswold Water Park Trust and the final 10 per cent will go towards Camren's Steps, a charity raising money for a young boy from Oxfordshire to have a life-changing operation.

Visit lechladeduckrace.co.uk for more.