TADCASTER'S annual duck race enjoyed a bigger crowd than normal last weekend, when the event coincided with the Tour de Yorkshire's visit to the town.

The duck race is organised by Tadcaster Community Swimming Pool as a fun fundraiser for its facilities, and pool manager Chris Porter said the 2017 event drew a couple double the size they usually see.

They had sold 1600 ducks, and 35 bigger corporate ducks were bought by local businesses. They were all tipped off the town's viaduct and raced downstream over the weir the finishing line, about 50 metres from the restored stone bridge.

In total the event raised around £3800, which will be split evenly between the swimming pool and the Alzheimers Society.

Chris said the pool would use its share to upgrade facilities, and to replace and refurbish equipment.

Last year, the £7,000 raised at the duck race meant the pool could buy two new spinal rescue boards and refurbish its disabled changing areas, he added.