ORGANISERS are hoping that more rubber ducks than ever will be making a splash for the 11th annual duck race.

This year’s event, which is organised by the Swindon Old Town Rotary Club, will take place at Westcott Recreation Ground, in Wootton Bassett Road, on June 4.

And yesterday Nationwide handed over £3,000 in sponsorship for the fundraiser, which this year is raising money for Affected By Cancer, the club’s chosen charity, and other Rotarian charities.

David Pratt, the president of Swindon Old Town Rotary Club, said: “The whole day is intended for the family. I am hoping this year will be the biggest yet.

“Every year for the last 10 years Nationwide have sponsored the duck race, this means they pay for the prizes and the costs.

“Therefore, every pound paid to sponsor a duck goes to charity.”

The event will start with the RSPCA dog show at 11.30am, followed by the drake race at 2.30pm, which are larger ducks sponsored by businesses.

The main race, which could see as many as 10,000 rubber ducks taking part, will be held at 3.30pm.

“In just over ten years, the duck race has become a firm favourite with people in Swindon and it has helped to raise thousands of pounds for local and other UK charities,” he said.

“Part of our success has been down to the backing and sponsorship we receive each year from Nationwide.

“So far we have sold about 2,500 but we have got a lot of time left. Entry doesn’t close until about 10 minutes before the race.”

Last year’s event saw 8,000 sponsored ducks take to the water.

A spokesman for Nationwide said: “Nationwide’s employee committee of community champions in Swindon has granted a £3,000 donation to the Old Town Rotary Club to once again support the duck race fundraising event.

“In our key locations, our community champions actively look for opportunities to support local community and charity events as part of our corporate responsibility agenda.”

Ducks will be available from Sainsbury’s in Bridgemead on April 21, April 29 and May 19, the Designer Outlet on April 22 and May 26, and the town centre on May 12.

For more information visit the website at www.swindonoldtownrotary.org.