NEARLY 2,000 ducks could be seen racing through Swanage aboard miniature lifeboats this afternoon. Volunteers from the RNLI took to the streets early, selling the inflatable toys to the public ahead of their popular fundraising event.

They were, however, briefly interrupted from duck-selling duties after an 11am shout saw them needed to assist with a broken down jetski.

At 3pm the race began with spectators gathering around the Mowlem Theatre to watch the ducks race along the stream from the Conservative Club to the open sea.

Crew member Becky Mack said everybody enjoyed a fantastic day and thanked those who had purchased so many ducks throughout the day.

“The crowds waited patiently as the lifeboat ducks raced along the stream,” she said. “And within minutes hundreds of ducks were racing to the finish line with lifeboat crew members on hand to catch the lifeboat ducks before they escaped to the open sea.”

The lucky winner was lifeboat racing duck F30 which took a cash prize of £100 sponsored by Gee Whites. Lifeboat racing duck N431 was second across the line winning £50 sponsored by Brook Tearooms. Lifeboat racing duck F246 won the £25 prize money for third prize sponsored by the Mowlem Restaurant.