A QUACKING crop of ducklings racing at full tilt through Andover town centre on Easter Monday was a sure sign that spring has well and truly arrived.

And while the plastic competitors may have failed to provide the full sound effects of their real-life counterparts, a lively crowd at this year's annual charity duck race more than compensated.

Around 200 people cheered on their sponsored 'lucky ducks', as the wilful wildfowl negotiated stray cable and even a Viking ship on the River Anton to reach the finish line at Bridge Street.

Ron Bennett, chairman of Andover's Bravehearts Children's Charity, said the biggest race day drama came when some of the ducks became stuck on a cable.

He added: "We raised £332.60 for the Special Child Appeal Fund which will buy equipment for Hampshire children. "The race is something that people look forward to every year and even the adults like to pay £1 for their own duck."

Also entertaining crowds on the day were a raffle, a bouncy castle and a barbecue at the Town Mill pub - which doubled up as the race launch point.

For the full story see Friday's Andover Advertiser