YORK'S first ever duck race on the Ouse has been postponed after torrential rain saw the river break its banks.

Planned for this Sunday, the race will now take place on Sunday, July 29, after the Festival Of The Rivers has officially finished.

The festival, which is running until July 15, is otherwise running as normal at this stage.

Following on from last year's success, the hugely popular Syntan Barge will make a visit, and there will be a canoe race and a chance to see the adventures of experienced canoeists on the ramp in Foss Basin.

New additions to the programme include the duck race, an artists' fair and the launch of York's newly-acquired Viking boats.

York Rotary Club will be staging a Dragon Boat challenge, and there will be an evening riverside walk for disabled people too.

Liz Topi, the council's events officer, said: "York is blessed with its river network.

"The Ouse and Foss go through the heart of our city and play a very important part in its history. Without them we would not have our Viking and Roman connections, which attract thousands of tourists to York every year.

"The Festival Of Rivers offers something for everyone - from cruises to regattas, fishing to canoeing, pirates to parties, lectures to plays, and shanties to opera - and all of the events use rivers as a location or theme."

Full details of the Festival Of The Rivers programme can be downloaded from www.yorkfestivals.com

For more information, phone 01904 554660.


Programme of events

* Sunday: A variety of dance, drama and musical performances, scheduled to be held in Rowntree Park, but venue to be confirmed* Saturday, July 7: Artists' Fair at Tower Gardens* Sunday, July 8: Lollipops' Pirate Party In The Park in Rowntree Park. Special guest appearance from the Sheilas' Wheels girlsJorvik Afloat launch two 40-foot long ships at Kings Staithe, with live music, stalls and competitions* Monday, July 9: An evening riverside walk for disabled people from the Wellington pub * Sunday, July 15: Festival ends with the Boat Of Light, where memory candles will be sent floating down the Ouse