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Smarden duck race raises money for new village sports pavilion

10:00, 22 April 2014

updated: 10:41, 22 April 2014

It was not just yellow ducks that bobbed their way along the river at the annual Smarden duck race on Easter Sunday.

There were also orange super ducks and blue endurance ones to add to the fun.

Villagers braved the wet weather to support the event, run by the Smarden Sports Association in aid of the new pavilion fund.

They're off. Ducks are released to wend their way down river at Smarden.
They're off. Ducks are released to wend their way down river at Smarden.

Anglea Phipps, from the association, said it was the 14th year the event had been held.

“We had new ducks this year which were weighted so they all stayed upright,” she said.

“In addition to the actual race we had a super ducks contest and an endurance race to add to the fun.”

There were around 800 ducks in the water. They cost £1 with super ducks and endurance ones £5.

The ducks head for the finish line at the annual Smarden duck race.
The ducks head for the finish line at the annual Smarden duck race.

The route was 150 yards along the river from the Flying Horse pub.

The winners and prizes were: £1 ducks, 1 Scarlett Wilson (£50), 2 Jack Price (£25), 3 Justin Carpenter (£15); super ducks, the King family (£120); endurance race, Nicky Spalding (£67.50).

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