THE annual duck race at Tredegar Park in Newport in aid of the mayor's charity took place yesterday (Sunday), organised by Newport Diving Club and the Chamber of Trade.

Around 700 little yellow ducks were sponsored for £1 and were launched from the Ebbw Bridge, with divers from Newport Diving Club poised in the river to stop them and announce first, second and third place.

First place won £30 and a certificate, second place £15 and third place £10.

This year's charity is Macmillan Nurses and speaking ahead of the event, the mayor Cllr Cliff Suller hoped the event would raise "a handsome sum of money".

Cllr Suller, who also attended last year's event as deputy mayor and this year had his own duck in the race, told the Argus: "All the money raised by the charity I'm supporting will without a shadow of a doubt be spent in Newport for the people of our city.

"Over the years this event has raised thousands of pounds and I would like to thank everybody who has helped to organise this, it's tremendous."

Cllr Suller said the Macmillan bus would be visiting John Frost Square on Thursday, September 26, from 11am, with advice and support for anyone who drops in.

Donations can still be made to the mayor’s charity by writing to the Mayor’s Charitable Fund, Mayor’s Parlour, Civic Centre, Newport, NP20 4UR.