VIDEO: Crowds gather for Sheffield duck race

Bank Holiday weather might have been perfect for ducks '“ but luckily it was sunshine and good times for the hundreds of people at the Great Sheffield Duck Race.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Mar 2016, 05:55 BST
Updated 1st Apr 2016, 23:59 BST
Friends of Porter Valley Duck race in Endcliffe Park Line astern under the footbridgeFriends of Porter Valley Duck race in Endcliffe Park Line astern under the footbridge
Friends of Porter Valley Duck race in Endcliffe Park Line astern under the footbridge

Young and old packed into a sunny Endcliffe Park yesterday for the eighth annual race, which is raising money towards the £400,000 restoration of Forge Dam.

After a stormy night before, though, organisers almost pulled the plug on the event as water levels had risen so drastically.

Friends of Porter Valley Duck race in Endcliffe Park Line astern under the footbridgeFriends of Porter Valley Duck race in Endcliffe Park Line astern under the footbridge
Friends of Porter Valley Duck race in Endcliffe Park Line astern under the footbridge
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But fortunately the weather brightened, the water dropped and hundreds of duck racers got their chance to compete for an array of brilliant prizes.

David Young, treasurer of Friends of the Porter Valley, who organise the race, said: “We were considering cancelling as the water levels had got so high.

“Luckily the water dropped to a safe level in time and we could go ahead.

“It’s a good turnout and we are hopeful we’ll reach £10,000 like last year.”

Friends of Porter Valley Duck race in Endcliffe Park Stuck ducks get a helping hand through the rapidsFriends of Porter Valley Duck race in Endcliffe Park Stuck ducks get a helping hand through the rapids
Friends of Porter Valley Duck race in Endcliffe Park Stuck ducks get a helping hand through the rapids
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Excitement built in the lead up to the main event and the 2,500 rubber yellow ducks were dropped into the river following a crowd countdown from ten.

As the ducks raced downstream, enthusiastic children – and adults – raced along the river banks with them, snapping pictures and trying to spot their racer.

n To find out who the winners were and for more about the fundraising visit www.fopv.org.uk