Charity ducks took to the water at the River Dee on Saturday as the annual Chester Duck Race made its return.
There was a packed crowd for the event, which enjoyed wonderful weather on the afternoon, as tens of thousands of pounds was raised for the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust's charity cause.
The Chester Duck Race saw a packed crowd at the River Dee on Saturday. Pictures: Danjeoryphoto.
This year funds have been going towards its Retinal Eye Scanner appeal, aiming to raise enough funds to buy a state-of-the-art retinal imaging machine for the hospital's Westminster Eye Clinic, which will aid the speed of eye tests, help the earlier identification and treatment of specific eye conditions and improve clinic flow.
The Chester Duck Race saw a packed crowd at the River Dee on Saturday. Pictures: Danjeoryphoto.
Dozens of local business showed their support for the event, backed by pupils from schools in the Chester area who had helped decorate many of the ducks taking part.
Before the race, the ducks went on show, courtesy of main event sponsors Hickory's Smokehouse in Chester.
Sherlock Quackers from Belong Chester care village among other competitor ducks.
Topping the bill at the end of the duck race, watched on by a cheering crowd at the riverside, was the Brio Leisure-sponsored entry, dressed as a lifeguard.
Further awards were dished out for the Best Dressed duck (as chosen by the Lord Mayor), won by Living Floors, thanks to the efforts of Saughall Primary School youngsters who decorated the duck, while the social media favourite was the Innospec 'Shrek duck' entry, decorated by Sutton Green Primary School children. Best celebrity lookalike went to Willy Wonka the duck, provided by Enriched Financial Services.
Nobody ducked out of the fun family entertainment on offer at the event, with families and children enjoying Hook-a-Duck, colouring competitions, face painting and even a visit from Chester the Cat from Chester's Dee Radio.
The Chester Duck Race saw a packed crowd at the River Dee on Saturday. Pictures: Danjeoryphoto.
The Countess Charity is delighted to announce that the event has raised a grand total of £31,200 for the appeal, the best year yet.
Sherlock Quackers represented dementia specialist, Belong Chester care village and finished in a very respectable fourth place.
Belong Chester care team with their duck, Sherlock Quackers.
Charlotte Parton, experience co-ordinator at Belong Chester said: "Today was a great day; we spoke to lots of members of the community and gifted What's On guides so they can get involved with the village.
"As for the race, our Sherlock Qwackers maintained 2nd place all the way until the last minute where he was pipped to the podium and finished in 4th place. We still had lots of fun and are pleased to help raise funds for The Countess Charity."
The Chester Duck Race saw a packed crowd at the River Dee on Saturday. Pictures: Danjeoryphoto.
Nicola Stubbs, corporate and events fundraiser for The Countess Charity, said: “The Duck Race is our favourite time of year and one of our biggest events in the calendar.
"We were delighted to see so many people attend on the day. I’d like to thank everyone that attended this year – a record amount was raised in the event’s 10-year history.
"We couldn’t have done this without our lead sponsor Hickory’s Smokehouse, who’s support each year is extremely appreciated.”
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