Thatcham Duck Race sets off from the Rowbarge in Woolhampton for mental health charity Time to Talk

With a synchronised countdown and big cheer from a very eager crowd, thousands of colourful rubber ducks poured into the Kennet and Avon Canal for another highly anticipated race today (Sunday).

The Thatcham Rotary Great Duck Race began at midday – by The Rowbarge in Woolhampton - with 5,000 yellow, pink and blue rubber ducks making their way across the canal.

Rotarians and volunteers helped the mayor of Thatcham heave the huge bags of ducks into the canal before friends and families followed their progress – trying to guess which was theirs.

And the sun glistened on the water as the plastic birds bobbed past crowds and under bridges.

The annual event- which is now a well established activity in Thatcham’s calendar – was in aid of Time to Talk , a West Berkshire based mental health charity.

The rotary club has reported that the event today has raised around £3,000 so far in revenue with costs still being looked at.

Chairman Maurice Franks said the club likes to help local organisations and alternates the charities it supports for each of its main events - the duck race, Santa run and classic car show.

“Children love this event,” he said.

“It is a fun day out for adults as well as and this venue is perfect.

“They can have something to drink, something to eat and have fun whilst helping us raise money for an important charity.

“The car park is full, there are crowds everywhere, there are queues for the ducks and for the stalls and there is sunshine which is always important.”

Prizes were issued to those whose ducks passed the finish line first - with first prize being £200, second prize £100 and third prize £50.

First prize went to Lynda Selby with duck number 1918, second prize went to Jo Fortmuller with duck number 1442 and third prize went to Pat Watts with duck number 2830.

Before the race commenced Thatcham mayor Mark Lillycrop said: “I am really looking forward to launching all the ducks into the river.

“It is a gorgeous day and we have perfect weather for it.

“The rotary club worked hard to put it all together.”

He added: “Mental health is a subject close to my heart.

“I am really pleased they are supporting it today.”

Time to Talk was in attendance with a stall of fun and games including a ‘Name the Husky’ activity.

Charity service manager Tammy Willshir said the charity has had a really busy year.

“Demand is really high for the service,” she said.

“We have a new online programme.

“It is really helpful for young people who are choosing to interact with CBT online.

“They like the fact that they can do it when it suits them.”

She added: “It is lovely for us to work with other organisations.

“Some people have never heard of our service so it is about raising awareness.

“They might not need us now but they might in the future.

“And it gets people talking about mental health.

“The Rotary are so supportive.

“It is lovely for us to find people who are as passionate as we are.”