THOUSANDS of plastic ducks took to the water in Tadcaster for the town’s annual duck race.

More than 2,000 yellow ducks were dropped from the viaduct in the annual race, which had to be shorter this year due to the closure of the town’s bridge, but hundreds of people turned out to take part in the event.

This year’s event was the first organised by Jack Radcliffe from the Tadcaster Community Swimming Pool, while the Lower Wharfe Canoe Club also played a major role in guiding the ducks in the right direction.

Jack said: “Thank you to all who took part for their hard work in making this a day to remember for me and the people of Tadcaster, especially to our team of volunteers from the pool.

"The community spirit was once again in evidence and hundreds came out to enjoy all the day had to offer, despite the bridge closure.”

First duck over the line was 666, owned by Declan Walsh from Riverside Primary School, who won £100.

First corporate duck was Lamber Engineering, and winner of the duck painting competition was Shannon Spence, nine, from Tadcaster East Primary School.