Ref. 74368-14TURKEY may be more traditional at this time of year, but a different bird was the flavour of the day at Ashton Keynes.

Residents came out in force to support the annual duck race.

Hundreds of yellow plastic ducks floated along the River Thames, raising more than £1,000 for local youth activities.

Usually held on Boxing Day, the traditional event was postponed until yesterday to stop it from clashing with Sunday church services.

Co-organiser Martin Allen, 43, said: "Everybody looks forward to it because it is an excuse to get out of the house.

"It wouldn't be Christmas without it."

Scores of locals bought numbered tickets corresponding to the ducks and flocked to watch the aquatic drama unfold.

Volunteers waded into the river and guided the ducks under the bridges and past the reeds.

Chris Burton had one of the winning ducks, scooping a £50 prize.

His 16-year-old daughter, Holly, said: "The race is a great thing. I'm delighted my family won the drama was unbearable."

Nine-year-old Patrick Humphreys was among the spectators.

He said: "There is always a good atmosphere because a lot of people from the village come out to watch.

"I always like to see who wins."

Ben Payne