MORE than 1,000 ducks have been released into the river Stour in Shipston in a fund-raiser for the community.
The annual Fish & Frolics duck race on May 19 has been hailed a success, with money going to Shipston First Responders and Shipston Young Anglers.
More than 300 people came down to the bridge in the town centre to watch the yellow and blue ducks float down the river
Close to £1,400 was raised across the six main races and will be split between the two organisations.
John Dinne, newly elected mayor of Shipston said: "I have only been doing this for a week and the duck race went really well.
"More than £1,400 was raised which is a really good result and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
"We had superb weather and it was a good day out, lots of people commented on improvements to the riverside providing a clearer view of the races.
"Its great to see money going to Shipston First Responders as they really need the help, there's no doubt about it.
"Getting a second car is absolutely brilliant and necessary, especially in light of increased ambulance response times."
The event was organised by Stour Valley Lions and Shipston Angling Club, a member of the Shipston Safer Neighbourhood team also attended.
Stuart Eastbury, from Shipston First Responders said: "We are receiving a Subaru next week and we have been kindly donated a Land Rover Discover Sport from Jaguar Land Rover which will arrive later this year.
"So we will be able to put two cars on which means will be able to double our cover.
"Recently we have recruited and now we have 16 volunteers which is the most we have ever had.
"Alongside responding to emergencies which is our primary role we also look after 37 public access defibs in Shipston and all the surrounding villages.
"As of next week we will technically have two cars and we will be responding with two which is really good.
"Every year Fish & Frolics just gets bigger and better and its really good to see all the community out."
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