If you find yourself at a loose end over the August bank holiday weekend, there’s something exciting happened in Dorchester.

Dorchester Lions, in conjunction with Dorset Mind will be holding a Duck Race along the River From - and everyone’s invited.

Two hundred and fifty ducks, not real ones of course, will be released into the river by the Mayor of Dorchester, Councillor David Taylor, and will hopefully navigate their way to the finishing point without too many mishaps.

Ducks cost £1 each, and can be purchased from Kiosk on the Green, Café on the Green, or by ringing David Upshall on 01305 268883 or 07818 035450.

The ducks will also be available to buy on the day.

The Duck Race will take place on Sunday, August 26 at 11am, so if you wish to grab a duck before the race starts, please arrive in plenty of time.

The start of the race will take place from the bridge adjacent to Tom Brown’s beer garden and finish – hopefully – at the next bridge down.

There are cash prizes for the winning ducks: £50 for first past the post, £30 for the second, and £20 for the duck that arrives in third place.

The event has been kindly sponsored by Poundbury Build and Maintenance and David Upshall Insurance Services. This means that all money raised will go directly to Dorset Mind, to help implement and continue their services in the Dorchester area.

And to ensure there is no threat to the environment, the ducks will be counted home so none are left lurking in the reeds or making a dash for freedom and heading out to sea.

Everyone is invited to come down and enjoy an hour cheering on the ducks and sunshine has been ordered.