The crowds went quackers as they lined the banks of the River Dove on Saturday to cheer on a flotilla of 729 ducks taking part in Eye’s annual duck race.

The fun race, now a firm fixture on the town’s calendar, also included stalls, games and competitions which were set up by the Scouts, Cubs and Beavers and other local organisations.

Proceeds from the race will go towards a new Scout building presently being built in Wellington Road.

The winner of the duck race was Liz Packer, of Eye, who collected a £100 cash prize. Second place was Eileen Hammond, of Yaxley, and third place went to Barry Beamish, of Eye.

Other prize winners were Ella Warner-Panhurst, Sue Wood, Peter Hawkins, Ben Brown, Warner J Wright, Chris Smith, Jack Oastler, Sally Davison and Desmond Tatum.

Chairman of the 1st Eye Scout Group, Merlin Carr thanked all those who had supported the event. Winners in the children’s competitions were: Vegetable animal – Celia Kelly, Oscar Kelly, Sammy Fielder; Duck cupcake – Elizabeth Botting, Lilli Adams; Leaf picture – Sammy Fielder, Melita Gostling.

The event was sponsored by a number of local businesses.