More than 1,500 well-behaved plastic ducks bobbed down the Hogsmill river on Saturday to raise money for youngsters.

A similar number of people turned up at the annual charity duck race, organised by the Ewell Court Residents’ Association (ECRA), which raised £1,000 to buy a parent bed at Epsom Hospital’s children’s Casey ward.

All remaining money will go towards the 1st Ewell Scouts and West Ewell Infants’ School.

The ducks set off at 2pm along the well-flowing river - a far cry from the dried-up stream in 2012 when the ducks had to be dragged along in a sandbag. 

Three giant ducks were released first to get the crowds excited, followed by 130 corporate ducks - bought by local businesses - and then 1,600 smaller ducks bought by the public. 

Kerrie Baker, president of the Ewell Court Residents’ Association, said: "This was definitely the biggest year.  It was absolutely phenomenal.  The river flow was perfect, the ducks whizzed down.

"We kept everyone very busy.  It was a really good event.  We have already had requests to hold it again next year.  Kids love it and remember it."


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