A TOWN went “quackers” for its annual duck race which raised £2,500 for local and national charities.

The popular event, organised by Ramsbottom Rotary Club, saw more than 2,000 ducks of the plastic variety take to the River Irwell near the Bridge Street Gardens.

There were several races, including a children’s boat race featuring 50 youngsters who either made their own vessels or took them along.

A “first” for the event was the giant traders’ duck race in which ducks sported corporate colours.

Bury Sub Aqua Club and Bury Kayak Club were on hand to ensure the ducks and boats did not go astray, while fire officers placed hosepipe lines in the water to keep one and all on the straight and narrow.

Scouts from St Andrew’s Church provided hot drinks, and musical entertainment came courtesy of the Hazlehurst school band.

Stuart Hobson, president of Ramsbottom Rotary Club, said: “It was a fantastic turnout and hundreds of people came along to watch.

“A good time was had by all.”