CROWDS gathered to watch hundreds of plastic ducks float down a river in Swindon.

This was for the return of the town's famous duck race which took place at the recreation ground off Wootton Bassett Road on May 29. 

On the sunny bank holiday, members of the public gathered at the field to enjoy funfair rides, cakes, refreshments, crafts stalls, children's activities, charity stalls, and even a dog show. 

But the main attraction was the famous duck race, where hundreds of numbered yellow plastic ducks are deposited into the river near the Runner pub, before they are watched floating down the river to see which will be the first to cross the finish line. 

The ducks head under the main road after passing the Runner, and then float along the final stretch while being cheered on by the crowd. 

The person who picked the winning bath toy wins a huge £1,000 prize and the six runners up that follow each get £100 prizes.

After the race, every duck is collected by volunteers to keep the waterway clear and unpolluted. 

The event was supported by Nationwide, Arkell's, and Cubic Storage, and organised by the Old Town Rotary Club.