EXMOUTH Lions Club's popular annual duck race was a total sell-out this year as scores of visitors vied to win a cash prize. A quacking good time was had by everyone as all 1000 of the ducks were entered into the race only the second time in the race's

EXMOUTH Lions Club's popular annual duck race was a total sell-out this year as scores of visitors vied to win a cash prize.A quacking good time was had by everyone as all 1000 of the ducks were entered into the race - only the second time in the race's 10-year history.It is hoped the event has raised around �800 for local good causes through the Lions' welfare fund.Holidaymakers and visitors young and old, who flocked to Exmouth to take advantage of the long Easter weekend, watched with baited breath as the plastic ducks set sail at Exmouth Fun Park on the seafront - helped on their way by a squirt from the town's firefighters' hose.The race was started by Exmouth town crier Garth Gibson. Town mayor councillor Joy Whipps had the honour of picking out the winning ducks.The first prize of �60 went to a member of a familyholidaying from Birmingham.Exmouth Lions' spokesman David Laskey said: "Following a successful week at the Magnolia kiosk getting sponsorship for our duck race, we were blessed with a warm and sunny day for the event - which was most welcome after last year's hail storm."The president of Exmouth (Clyst Valley) Lions Club, Cynthia Hopkins, and all the club members would like to thank everyone for their warm support, and the hearty countdown and cheer as the ducks were launched. "It was a really good family fun event which we hope locals and visitors alike enjoyed. "We are delighted that, for many, our annual duck race now heralds the start of the holiday season."Exmouth Lions Club also thanked Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the cadets of 299 Squadron Air Training Corps, Chris Wright and the staff of Exmouth Fun Park, for their help in making the event possible - and also Kit Archer and Lion Peter Mason, from Budleigh Salterton Lions Club, who offered to wade in the boating lake to catch any stray ducks.l The Lions are hoping to organise a family fun run in conjunction with Lionel Howell and the 531st Tribute Fund on Saturday, June 6.