THE inaugural Annual Duck Race from Turners Brdge to the Auld Brig was on April 30.

Some 841 'Ducklings' took to the water in the Doonfoot Dibblers Handicap.  This Race was followed by The Ailsa Craig Handicap for mature ducks sponsored by local businesses.

Both races were closely contested. The Ayr Kayak Club stewarded both events rescuing any Ducks that got in to trouble during the race and finally shepherded all ducks back to dry land where they will be put into training for next year.

Race organiser Rotarian Peter Christy, Foundation Convener of the Rotary Club of Alloway said that the race was a great success due to the superb response from all those who sponsored a duck, raising over £3000 for Rotary's Nepal Schools Rebuilding Project.

"It is hoped that this sum will be doubled by a matching grant from Rotary International, enough to bring 2 to 3 classrooms back into use after last years earthquake."

The results are as follows:

The Doonfoot Dibblers Handicap

First Prize:  £25 to John Cairney of Ayr

Second Prize: £10 to Alan Gillespie

Third Prize: £5 to Willie Tait

The Ailsa Craig Handicap

1st Prize: £60 to Hollow Park Florists, Ayr

2nd Prize: £40 to Wallace Allen,  Newmarket Street, Ayr

3rd Prize: to Willie Wastles, New Bridge Street, Ayr