THE racing ducks from Ross-on-Wye are getting ready for this year’s annual trip down the River Wye at the weekend.

It’s the second year that the race is being run following the impact caused by the pandemic lockdown and the demise of the legacy town carnival.

Under the guardianship of Ross Lions Club, members have spent time training them and checking that each duck has their correct race number.

And with each duck being passed fit, sprucely attired they are ready for the race which takes place at Ross Rowing Club at the conclusion of the town’s regatta at 5pm on Sunday, August 24.

Each duck is sponsored in the race by a £1 raffle ticket bought by a member of the public, with a prize each for the lucky sponsors of the first three ducks to cross the line of £150, £100 & £50 respectively.

Raffle tickets for sponsorship of ducks can be purchased from a store outside Morrisons on August 23 and 24 and on Thursday at the Market Hall and on race day itself at the rowing club.

Last year’s event saw a tremendous turnout at the rowing club having not being able to stage the event for a number of years.

The ducks came under starter’s orders at 5pm when 2,000 ducks were released into the River Wye and within minutes, the ducks began arriving at the finish line to a resounding cheer, close to the rowing club steps.

A blue duck bearing the number 549 was declared the winner which had been purchased by local resident Jo Dobson.

Ross on Wye Lions have a long standing a history of supporting many individuals and organisations from the local community and 100 per cent of any proceeds raised by the Duck Race goes directly back to many good causes within the area.