WROUGHTON is set to go quackers on Monday as hundreds of families are expected to turn out for the annual duck race.

The community event will mark its 20th anniversary this year and to celebrate, organisers hope that the entire village turn out in support of the race which sees hundreds of brightly-coloured yellow ducks bob their way down the river.

The first race of the day will be for children and will kick off at 2pm in the Willow-Brook Gardens, near Devizes Road, with tickets costing £1 to sponsor a duck.

One of the organisers, Talis Kimberley-Fairbourn said she hopes people support the duck race come rain or shine.

“Last year it poured down but despite that the village still turned out anyway,” she added.

“It is a bit of fun, it is slightly silly and we just love it.

“It is an opportunity to celebrate 20 years of the community getting together to create a family event that is free, it is accessible and a bit of fun for everyone while raising money for local causes.”

Parking will be available at the Ellendune shopping area for families and there will be a variety of stalls, open from 1pm.

These will include tombola, produce sale, and hog roast, and tea, coffee and ice cream will also be available.

The Wroughton Silver Band will also be playing during the afternoon.

As well as the children’s race, there is also the business challenge, where local organisations have been invited to decorate a large decoy duck, in the Business Challenge Shield at 2.30pm.

The Mike Smith Memorial Race for adults will be at 3pm.

The final race of the day will be at 3.30pm, the free-to-enter Mike Hinder Memorial Cup. This race will be run in heats, followed by a grand final depending on number of entries.

The challenge is to design and build something that will float, any materials may be used but no electronics, and the item’s dimensions must be 300mm x 150mm x 150mm.

Talis added: “Mike Hinder was a fellow parish councillor and farmer and he was a wonderful, warm gentleman who had a huge knowledge of the Wroughton area.

“He would be tickled pink to have this race named after him.”

Families will able to head over to the Ellendune Community Centre from 2pm where tea and coffee and snacks will also be available.

The money raised from the event will be distributed between local youth groups in Wroughton.