New year off to a quacking start

The New Year will get off to a quacking start in Bewdley as hundreds of people cause a splash in the annual duck race.

More than 300 people took part in this year's popular event, organised by the Kidderminster & District Lions Club, with entries coming as far afield as Scotland.

This time, with milder weather promised, organisers are expecting even more people to take part.

Every year Bewdley Bridge is lined with people ready to launch their ducks, including many that are homemade. Participants will be able to register their ducks on the quayside from 10am on January 1, with Bewdley mayor Anne Mace giving the starters orders at noon.

Lions spokesman Colin Hill said: "There will be ducks on sale but it is much better and in the spirit of the race if people make their own ducks.

"Over the years there have been many unusual ducks made by children and their families and there is a prize for the best homemade one. Yellow plastic ducks don't qualify for this."

The Wyre Forest Canoe club will monitor the race and retrieve the ducks at Lax Lane so they do not pollute the river.

In the evening, the Lions will hold their annual Viennese concert in Kidderminster Town Hall with music from the Midland Concert Orchestra.

Tickets are £14 and £11 from Bewdley Tourist Information Centre, The Swan Centre, Kidderminster, and the Stourport Photo Centre, Stourport.