The Deepings Lions had a surprise in store for the many visitors who attended their annual Duck Race and Street Fair in Deeping St James on Sunday.

A massive inflatable duck landed on the bridge close to the River Welland, where hundreds of smaller ducks competed in a race.

The weather was sunny and dry, perfect racing conditions. This year, the wind was in the right direction and the ducks glided elegantly through the water. Some needed a bit of help with their navigation, which was provided by members of the Welland and Deepings Scouts Canoe Club and Guy Porteous from Deepings Lions.

Chairman of Deeping St James Parish Council Steve Gilbert opened the event and presented the Carnival Queen Katie Jakeman with an engraved trophy.

With the help of Coun Gilbert and Nicki Waldie, president of Deepings Lions, Katie started all four races with a blast on the klaxon.

The first three were sponsored by local businesses and were won by the Goat Pub, Oakwood Estate Agents and Godsey Lane Coffee
Shop.

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Carnival Queen Katie Jakeman being presented with her trophy by Deeping St James Parish Council leader Steve Gilbert Deeping St James council leader, watched by Nicki Waldie from the Lions and the massive duck

In the main race the first prize of £100 was won by Sam Stubbs, second prize of £50 by Sophie Plunk and the third of £25 by Graham Stapleton.

As well as the duck races, there was more to entertain the crowd with a range of rides, stalls, street buskers, a Zumba demonstration and Punch and Judy shows, which were a great hit with all
ages.

This year the event was raising funds for St Barnabas Hospice.

Lion Dave Coombs, one of the organisers said: “As well as being a fun day out we were pleased to have raised funds for St Barnabas Hospice. They do really wonderful work and we were very pleased to help them. We’re still waiting for some sponsorship monies to come in but we hope to present them with a cheque soon for over £2,000.”

Deepings Lions President Nicki added: “We would like to thank everyone who helped make the event so successful including all the visitors, those who sponsored a duck, stall holders, local businesses and all our volunteers.”

Big Duckie was kindly supplied by Bourne Fun. Clyde Thompson, who runs the company, said: “We were pleased to support the Lions and delighted that our duck was such a crowd pleaser.”

Click here to find out about another event that took place this weekend