INVESTMENT in new technology helped Calne Lions smash their fundraising record at this weekend's Duck Race.

More than £10,000 was raised on Saturday, to be split between local charities from ticket sales, stalls and donations on the day. The president-elect of Calne Lions, Rachel Viles, said online fundraising and the purchase of a new mobile reader for card payments and donations helped them raise more funds that ever.

This year, a new breed of racing ducks was unleashed – larger, weightier and numbered. It cost just £1 per ticket to bet on your favourite duck, with proceeds split between local charities including Julia's House Hospice, Hope for Tomorrow, Dorothy House Hospice and Calne's Memory Club, as well as other local causes and private individuals.

"We are delighted that the event was so well supported," said Mrs Viles, 45, of Heron Close.

"We lost two Lions this year so we had a personal reason to raise funds, too."

Calne Lions are now in their 45th year and the annual Duck Race is a colourful highlight of their fundraising calendar.

The event featured three races for the first time; with entries from businesses and schools, clubs and groups, plus a main race where more than 3,000 ducks took to the water.

The 'contestant' from Absolute Cleaning Services won the race between local enterprises; while the Royal British Legion duck stormed his way to victory in the schools/clubs/groups race. A Business Fair took place simultaneously in the Town Hall.

There was also an online competition for the first time, where you could donate and pick a numbered yellow duck to race, even if you could not attend the event. The first prize was £200; two second place ducks were worth £100; while third place won £50. Winners have been named on the Calne Lions Facebook page.