THE annual Calne duck race, a highlight of the Calne Lions summer calender, will take place on May 16, the club have announced.

Thousands are expected to line the streets for the 29th running of the annual event which will 3000 ducks race down the River Marden in the centre of Calne.

There will be three races in total, the first will see large, decorated school ducks take to the water, followed by the business ducks and finally the 3000 individual ducks.

Guest judge Miss Wiltshire, Georgia Delaney, will be judging the best dressed school and business ducks.

Mark Leach, from Calne Lions, said: "By popular demand, we have decided to bring back the exciting duck sprint races from the town hall to the Marden House finish line.

"There will also be a treasure hunt for the children that will follow the route of the duck race so make sure that you bring a pencil to fill in your answers to the clues."

Tickets for the race will be sold door to door by the Calne Lion volunteers throughout April and May and will also be available to buy online, at the Community Hub and on selected Saturdays at Sainsbury's.

As well as the excitement of the race itself, for the second year running the Calne Lions are working in partnership with the Calne Small Business Fair, which will be held throughout the day in the town hall.

Proceeds raised by the event will be channelled back into local good causes.