DUCKS were given a rousing send-off by a piper at the annual Calbourne Duck Race on Easter Sunday — surrounded by a huge crowd.

John Brodie played his bagpipes to start the race at the bridge by Lodge House at Westover and they floated down the river alongside Winkle Street.

Organiser Steve Mansfield said: "John has done this for us over the last couple of years, but didn't dress up in his Scottish regalia this time because it was so hot.

"But it was a great family fun day with lots of parents there with their children. Everyone had a fabulous time."

Around £1,000 was raised from the event, with 1,000 ducks purchased, and the money will go towards the upkeep of the village recreation centre.

There were prizes of Easter eggs ranging from big to small for the top ten places — with the first four receiving giants eggs.

Giant egg winners were Victoria Isaacson, Mr Weaver, Derek Russell and Aidan Charlton.

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