IT was definitely weather for ducks as hundreds of fun lovers soaked up the sun and atmosphere at the annual Blakeney Duck Race and Fun Day.

Bank Holiday Saturday’s scorching temperatures saw crowds flock to the banks of the Forge Brook in the Butts playing field to watch more than 20 races, including the final ‘Grand National’ involving ‘a flock’ of more than 600 plastic ducks.

All had a quacking time, but event spokesman Glynn Bullock admitted: “I think the ducks found the weather more to their liking than some of us. It was really warm, but every one had great fun and we raised some cash for local community causes.”

Founded in 1988, the event used to be held near the Yew Tree pub before it closed down in 2001 and took a few years out before restarting on the playing fields.

And with lots of attractions like a bouncy castle, coconut shy, water slide, vintage cars, raffle, tombola, bar, BBQ, ice cream and stalls, it has grown into a fantastic community event.

For one duck, No 266, it represented a return to the fray after escaping the finishing net last year only to be discovered months later a long way downstream near Awre,

“We catch them with some netting,” said Glynn, “but when you have hundreds coming through in the national, the one managed to get away.”

There were 22 races over 75 to 100 yards featuring 30 ducks before the big one over a longer course, with Forest folk singer Dick Brice bringing the crowd to the boil with his exciting commentary.

And the winner was Duck No 557 belonging to six-year-old Ollie Johnson, who scooped the top £100 prize.

Glynn said: “It was a great day all round, with local busineses sponsoring the races, and it means we’ve raised a bit for the event itself, the local football and youth clubs and the village hall.”

Music was provided by Cosmic Dave, with Stella Thomspon and Which One’s Dave later performing at the Shed.