Charity hosts decorated duck race down River Thames

Ducks first race down a smaller river before entering the River Thames

Rubber ducks, large and small, will take to the water on Sunday for a race along the River Thames.

The annual duck race, part of Staines-upon-Thames Day, is a fundraising event for local charity MidasPlus.

Businesses can buy a large duck to decorate and race, with small ducks available for children and individuals.

Ducks start the race near the footbridge between Church Street and Two Rivers, racing down the smaller River Colne before hitting the River Thames.

People can decorate the ducks and take part in the race for a fee

The finish line is at the Memorial Gardens.

In the large duck race, there are prizes for the winner and the best decorated duck.

Mike Wylie, trustee at MidasPlus, said about 130 large ducks were expected to take part, and 1,000 little ducks.

He said: "It's our flagship event in terms of raising money."

He said the "vitally important" event brought in sponsorship for the charity, which is run by four unpaid volunteers.

Spelthorne Borough Council revealed its entry in a social media post.

The authority said: "Get involved in the Staines-upon-Thames Day Duck Race.

"Here is our entry, named Delores the Duck, masquerading as a swan!"

Spelthorne Borough Council has decorated a duck it has called Delores

MidasPlus helps individuals and groups with physical or learning difficulties, who are suffering financial hardship, across Spelthorne and Runnymede and has donated more than £200,000 to various causes.

Funding has been used for causes including therapy for a rape victim, a buggy for a 12-year-old with Rett syndrome and a mobility scooter for an 87-year-old woman.