A TOTAL of 6,000 plastic ducks will be released into the River Thames in Lechlade this May bank holiday Monday to launch the second annual duck race.

Lechlade Duck Race was dubbed a massive success last year and will be returning to the town on May 4 2015.

The family event will see visitors and residents sponsor a plastic duck, before they are released into the River Thames to race downstream. The owners of the first 10 ducks to cross the finish line will receive a prize.

As well as the race there will also be a children's funfair, bouncy castles, face painting, a mobile farm, ice cream vendors and many local stalls.

The event mascot 'Bob the Duck' will also be making an appearance and businesses will be dressing up giant rubber ducks for the public to vote for in Duck Idol.

Funds raised from the day will go towards the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) which provides support and welfare to serving and ex-serving members of the RAF. The event also supports the Cotswold Water Park Trust (CWPT) which helps conserve countryside over an area of 40 square miles in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.

Lechlade Duck Race is on May bank holiday Monday, May 4 from 10am-5pm at The Riverside in Lechlade. Visit lechladeduckrace.co.uk for more.