Ducks taking part in a popular annual race in Chester are on display in Northgate Street until tomorrow (Friday).
The decorated ducks, which will race down the River Dee on Saturday to raise funds for the Countess of Chester Hospital’s Babygrow Appeal, are in an empty shop window opposite Chester Library.
The race takes place on Saturday at 3pm on the River Dee with the ducks on display from noon, close to the bandstand at The Groves.
A record 77 corporate ducks, including CH1ChesterBID’s Hootus Rootus, will race and there will be fun activities before the races including a free children’s colouring competition plus the chance to sponsor one of the remaining baby ducks for just £2.
Winner of the fastest duck in the corporate race will win a half-day’s team motivation training at the Successfactory in Burwardsley. There is also a prize for the Celebrity Lookie Likee Duck.
In the baby duck race, 5,000 baby pink, blue and yellow ducks will be launched off the Queen’s Park suspension bridge and Grosvenor Shopping Centre has provided prizes of shopping vouchers for the first, second and third past the winning line.
Last year, the event raised £20,000 for the Babygrow Appeal and organisers are hoping to raise considerably more this year.
Corporate and fundraising events manager Lesley Woodhead said: “We are encouraging families to come along and, cheer on the ducks.”
Jennie Grimes, from sponsors Hickory’s added: “We are delighted to be supporting this fantastic family event for such a worthwhile local charity.”
The Babygrow Appeal was launched to raise £3m to build a new special care baby unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital, £1.5m was raised.
