The first week of the summer holidays saw a flutter of excitement on the riverbank running through the Deadwater Valley Local Nature Reserve in Bordon.

Bright sunshine and perfect water levels welcomed the crowds to witness the annual Deadwater Valley Trust Duck Race.

The ducks were available for sponsorship online and were fully sold out before the race with all the money raised going to support the work of Deadwater Valley Trust in the community.

The first race was started by Councillor Penny Flux and Deadwater Valley Trust trustee Stefan Mitchell as local residents counted down to a final cry of “release the ducks”.

Children and adults scrambled for a view of the river as the ducks made their way along the course.

The race was ‘run’ in three parts with the first 100 ducks racing for the line and the first 50 making it through to the final.

Race number two saw Councillor Bisi Kennard grasp the duck bag to help start the race and the ducks numbered 101 to 200 took to the water – and again the first 50 made it through to the final.

The nail-biting final race saw the pack leaders becoming caught up in weeds and a fight to the finish line for three ducks!

Community ranger Julie Reid said: “It was great to have the perfect weather for duck racing and to see so many people from our local community on the riverbank.

“We were delighted to present the sponsor of the winning duck, Jackson and duck number 67, with a box of chocolates and the £25 first prize.

“The ducks are now heading back into the bag until next year!”