Hundreds attend Andover Duck Race held by Anton Rotary

Andover residents went quackers this bank holiday Monday, with hundreds of people of all ages taking to the Town Mills Riverside Park for the annual event, organised by the Anton Rotary Club.

The event took place on Monday, May 27, from 12pm to 4pm, with the first race kicking off at 1pm.

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While the rain poured down over the town, the main event began at 1pm. Each race of six was made up of 200 ducks, with the owners of the first, second and third ducks across the line winning a prize. Each race sold out very quickly.

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Ducks in motion (Image: Newsquest)

Andover Radio provided the soundtrack to each race, with 'The Chain' by Fleetwood Mack, well known for being the theme tune to the Formula 1 Grand Prix for many years, roaring through the speakers as the ducks headed down the river.Hundreds gathered to attend the duck race (Image: Newsquest)

As well as the duck races, a variety of traditional fun and games were on offer for kids and adults alike to participate in. One of which was 'Splat the Rat', was supervised by Viv Philpot.

Viv had to convince a kind-hearted member of the public to help her out, after husband and Rotarian Geoff Philpott went awol. Viv said: "It's been going well, it's very well humoured. My husband Geoff went off and I had to ask a member of the public to launch the rats, as I am not tall enough.

Viv Philpot was too short to reach the rat launcher (Image: Newsquest)

"But it's been great, everyone gets a prize whether they hit the rat or not."

@andoveradvertiser Andover's annual Duck Race #duckrace #Andover #duck #race ♬ The Chain - F1 Theme - From "Formula 1 Motor Racing" - London Music Works

Daniel Stokes was the man who came to the rescue and filled Geoff's boots as 'temporary rat launcher'. His partner, Timea Varga jokes that the couple's "Children are disgusted, he's rubbish."

Daniel Stokes came to the rescue as a 'temporary rat launcher' (Image: Newsquest)

Despite the not-so-perfect weather, with intermittent and somewhat heavy showers dampening the afternoon, many families made the most of the entertainment, which included a free mini-golf course, with donations going to Andover Men's Shed, who also provided an excellent boat-making experience for kids to race their creations on the river.

Daniel Trifon and his daughter Sophia were enjoying the mini-golf area (Image: Newsquest)

Daniel Trifon and his daughter Sophia were enjoying the mini-golf area, alongside Julie de Santos and her daughter Aurelia.

A variety of food was available for visitors to snack on, from barbecues to confectionary, everyone was catered for.

Live music from Georgie Amelia and Maddison A kept attendees entertained, while Andover Radio kept things cheerful with on-the-nose songs like 'Umbrella' by Rhianna being heard through the speakers.