FAR from fowl, the Calne annual duck race was a flying success as thousands took to the streets for the wacky event, which sees around 3,000 rubber ducks take to the River Marden.

Now in its 30th year, the race, organised by Calne Lions, brought 4,000 families out into the streets to watch the ducks stream along the river from the Co-op car park bridge to the finish line near Marden House.

Petrina Milstead and Martin Trudgill came out as joint victors in the main public race.

This year’s president, George Lawson, said: “It went very well and the crowds all came out for the day crowding together to watch what was going on.

“It all worked perfectly. It really fit the bill. There were loads of stalls out there and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and were happy with how it came off.

“It was just good to get the community out there. The ducks were really creative this year and we had some really good ones, with lots of bright colours."

Although, principally focusing on the larger public duck race at the end there were three others including a school, business and twinned town races beforehand.

Thornbury Services were the winners of the business race whereas Hilmarton Primary were victors in the school’s competition.

“At the end the organisers all went to have dinner and we enjoyed ourselves after a lot of hard work,” added Mr Lawson.

“This is my 28th duck race and I have to say that I am a bit of a veteran. It was one of the better ones that I have been to and was a particularly good day.

“When you see the ducks streaming down the river it is a great sight and the youngsters love it and all get so excited.

“There does tend to be a lot of screeching when the kids want their own ducks to win and can get a little too noisy at times but it is all good fun.”