'Daft' duck race returns to town centre canal

Last year's event (pictured) at The Oracle in Reading raised more than £5,000 for charity

About 4,000 rubber ducks have been released in a town centre canal to raise money for charity.

The Reading Duck Race is taking place on Saturday in the Kennet and Avon Canal at The Oracle Riverside in the Berkshire town.

People can book one of the yellow ducks to be in with a chance of a prize if their duck wins or is a runner up, with money raised donated to charities chosen by Reading Abbey Rotary Club.

Andy Briggs, destination director of The Oracle, said the event was "daft" but "people love it".

"People want to come and be surprised, delighted, and ducks do just that," he said.

Race organiser Jim Gillett said people could rent the ducks for as little as £2.

"They've all got a number on the bottom so you come and buy one duck or five ducks or whatever, and we record the numbers that relate to you," he said.

"They all go in some big plastic crates we've got, and when the selling has finished we line up along the bridge on Bridge Street... they are 'three, two, one' - tipped over all together."

Canoeists waiting at the finish line just before London Street Brasserie will collect them all and record the winners.

There is a cash prize of £200 for the winner and other prizes for runners up donated by local businesses.

The event opens at 10:00 BST ahead of the race at 16:30

Mr Briggs said it was "great fun", adding: "It's just daft that we're chucking a load of plastic ducks in a river but people love it.

"And they want to engage, raising money for a local charity... it's great fun on the day, and The Oracle is part of the community."

Last year's event raised more than £5,000 for charity - and organisers are hoping to raise even more this year.

The event will open at 10:00 BST with face painting and ticket sales ahead of the race at 16:30.