IT was definitely lovely weather for ducks when Whittlesey staged a duck race on the Bower River.

But despite the pouring rain, the crowds turned out in force to support the fund-raiser for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Members of the Street Pride Group dropped the plastic ducks over the bridge and retrieved them at the end, and members of the Volunteer Fire Service also helped out.

Venture Scout Peter Wright, assisted by his father, was at the finishing line in a canoe and kayak to catch the first three ducks over the finishing line.

First prize of �50 went to Mrs Beryl Wiles, John Garnett’s duck came in second to win him �25; and the third duck across the line won its owner Ralph Butcher �10.

The Mayor of Whittlesey, Kay Mayor said: “We would like to thank everyone who made the event such a success, especially Jackie Baldrey who dressed up in a duck costume on several occasions to promote the event.” The proceeds of the event will help fund the Party at the Manor on Monday June 4.

A Jubilee Prince and Princess will lead the parade at the party, and the six-year-old Callum Knowles and 11-year-old Chloe Sperryn were crowned by the Mayor and Mayoress of March, Bernard and Sylvia Keane,.

As party of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the Whittlesey Business Forum is holding a Window Competition, and Cllr Mayor will be judging it on the afternoon of Friday June 1 with MP Steve Barclay. For more information, contact Shirley Wright, Secretary of the Business Forum on 01733 203279.

The Friends of St Mary’s Church in Whittlesey will stage a Diamond Jubilee flower festival from June 2-4 with the theme Sixty Glorious Years. The event will open daily from 10am to 5pm, and entry costs �2. A Churches Together Service will be held outdoors at St Mary’s Church on Sunday June 3 at 3pm.