FINAL preparations are being made for the third annual Swindon Old Town Rotary Club charity duck race which will be held on May 26.

The organisers are hoping to beat the success of last year's race, when about 4,000 ducks were set adrift on the River Ray.

Once again the plan is to race the ducks along a 400-yard stretch of the river, which runs through the recreation ground next to Wootton Bassett Road.

Organiser Mike Dunn, who lectures in Business Management at the Royal College of Military Science at Shrivenham, explained: "The duck race has been organised to raise money for a number of local children's charities the children's ward of the Great Western Hospital among them.

"Last year we managed to raise about £8,000 and we are hoping to do even better this time round."

Ducks cost £1 each and companies in the town can also sponsor much larger Drakes, for £50 each. The first duck across the finishing line will win the first prize of £750.

For more information contact Mike Dunn on 524997.