Duck derby raises thousands for charity
An annual 'Duck Derby' event in Sidmouth has raised £1,100 for Children's Hospice South West (CHSW).
The event in the Byes on October 16 saw thousands of rubber ducks, each sponsored by an individual or business, bob down the River Sid.
There were three races: a main race for the public with yellow ducks, a corporate race for businesses with red ducks, and a 'duck and spoon' race for children.
The event raised a total of £4,400, with funds also going to Devon Freewheelers charity and organisers Sidmouth Lions Club. It had been due to take place on September 18 but was postponed out of respect for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, whose funeral took place the following day.
Lions Club secretary Chris Rignall said: “It would not have been possible to raise this huge amount of money for charity without the extraordinary generosity of local residents, and also many of the visitors to Sidmouth during the month or two prior to the Duck Derby. 
“Sidmouth Lions Club would like to thank everyone who supported the event, especially the local Co-op, Potburys and Lidl stores for allowing the Lions to sell duck tickets outside their premises. We are also very grateful to the proprietors of Paper Moon in Fore Street, Cards@83 in High Street and Woolbrook News for selling the duck tickets in their shops.
"Organising and running our Great Duck Derby also requires a huge team effort, so Sidmouth Lions would like to thank Sidmouth College sixth form students for their much appreciated help on the day, and the two officers of St John Ambulance for being present to provide any necessary first aid during the event.”
Mary Gray, area fundraiser for CHW said: “This was such a fun community event and we’re so grateful to Sidmouth Lions Club for all their support of CHSW.
The donation will help our hospices provide vital care and support to children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families.
Anyone is interested in joining Sidmouth Lions Club can call 01395 577450 or find more info at www.sidmouthlions.org.uk