THE eagerly awaited return of Ross-on-Wye Duck Race finally occurred last weekend.

Ross Lions club member Mike Nelson, one of the event organisers said: “It was a tremendous turnout at Ross Rowing Club, which saw some frantic last minute ticket sales to hold our latest and long overdue Lions Duck race.

“The duck race has been a long-standing activity of the Ross-on-Wye Lions club, but unfortunately due to both Covid impacts and the demise of the legacy town carnival, the duck race is something we have not been able run a number of years.

“The feedback received since it’s return was announced, outlines many of our local Ross residents were delighted to see it back.”

The ducks came under starter’s orders at 5pm on Sunday when 2,000 ducks were released into the River Wye and within minutes, the ducks began arriving at the finish line to a resounding cheer, close to the rowing club steps.

A blue duck bearing the number 549 was declared the winner which had been purchased by local resident Jo Dobson with Jordan Barrington duck, number 1,830 coming in second and Tom Peachy’s duck, number 1,504 was third.

Mr Nelson went on to thank the event’s main supporters of the event, namely Ross Rowing Club for not only hosting the duck race but their support in running the race with a number of their members directly involved in race setup, start and finish logistics.

Other support of the town’s retail outlets of Peacocks and Morrisons were acknowledged after they had granted permission for Lions Club members to sell tickets outside their premises and to the Architectural Store for assisting with the event’s cash tin storage.

Mr Nelson concluded that the Ross on Wye Lions have a long standing and proud history of supporting many individuals and organisations within the local community and 100 per cent of any proceeds raised by any events such as the Duck Race go directly back to many good causes within the area.

Mr Nelson added: “We thank not just our race winners for their support in purchasing a ticket, but all of those who kindly purchased a ticket and took part in the event. We look forward to running the next Ross Duck Race again in 2025.”

● Ross-on-Wye Lions continue to welcome any volunteers or indeed new members, if anyone is interested in knowing more about being a part of the Lions family, they can contact the club via its Facebook page or website, rossonwyelions.org.

FIRST HOME: A canoeist captures the winning duck. PICTURE: Imogen Bell.