No ducking out of a fun day

Dr Kershaw's Duck Race. The start.

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THEY promised a quacking good time, and that was definitely the case for everyone who turned out on Saturday.

Hundreds of people descended on Chadderton Hall Park for Dr Kershaw's duck race.

The sun made a brief appearance as people enjoyed fairground rides, bouncy castles and stalls offering cakes and coffee.

Shaw-based Anna's Dance entertained with Zumba and street dancing before visitors went to see whose duck would emerge victorious in the race down the River Irk.

Top prize was £200 worth of Lego vouchers .

Arron Cheshire, Dr Kershaw's community fundraiser, said: "It's been a really good turnout. Pretty much all the ducks sold. We had 3,000 and sold just under that.

"I want to say thanks to everyone for coming and making it a special event. It has been a really good day."

Joanne Waters (42) and Mark Hart (31), along with baby Tyler, came from Royton to see daughter Joanne (five) taking part in the princess pop performance.

Joanne said: "It's nice when they do it every year. Everyone is here for the same purpose. It's a nice gathering.

"Every year it's a fun-filled packed day.

Stuart Kenny (41) brought wife Simone (34) and their children Naomi (two) and Sam (five months) from Chadderton.

"She has been enjoying herself," Stuart said of Naomi, who had been enjoying the fairground rides. "It's the first time we have been to this.

"It's a nice day out. It's definitely a family event - it's family friendly."

Nature lovers flocked to an RSPB stall.

Sammy Gray, membership development officer, said: "It's easy for kids to grow up indoors watching TV. But it's good to see people outside enjoying nature.

"We've been making bird kebabs, which are little things birds can eat.

"People have been really enthusiastic and keen to get involved. It's a really lovely event. "

For Derek Birtles (77), it was his fifth duck race as a volunteer with Dr Kershaw's.

He started doing it after his wife Hazel died nearly five years ago.

"This saved me from sitting around in a chair or just going to the pub," he said. "I'm getting more out of them than they get out of me.

He added: "I really enjoy it. It's a nice day out."

Ian Whitworth (49) and daughter Maisie (nine), from Royton, bought a duck each. "I thought it was fantastic," said Ian.

"It was great - it was good for the kids and it's for a fantastic cause, a local cause."

Ann (42) and Spencer (43) Wolstenholme, from Middleton, with children Lily (seven) and Ilsa (two), bought four ducks.

Ann said: "We really enjoyed it. There was loads to do today."

• Plenty more pictures on our Picture Sales page. Search for Duck Race.