The traditional Duck Derby recently took place at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex and made a huge splash for charity.

Children from across the City, who attended the annual summer scheme bought their ‘lucky ducks’ then named and decorated them in time for the big race.

The Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor Andrew Ewing, welcoming all the children to the Duck Derby, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved - the staff who organised the event and the children for raising money for my Mayoral Charity, Marie Curie Cancer Care. Thank you all for taking part today.”

Over 150 ducks took to the Lazy River to battle for a place on the podium. The Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor Andrew Ewing got the countdown going and after 10 seconds the ducks were off to compete in the race of their lives. ‘Donald Duck’ went out fast followed by ‘Usain Duck’; and turning the final bend they were under pressure as many ducks seemed to have paced themselves, all striving towards the finishing line to clinch 1st 2nd and 3rd place in what was a thrilling encounter.

Jack Moriarty and his duck proved to be luckiest duck of all as it bolted to the finishing line beating all the other ducks at a record time to claim gold. The next two podium places were a lot closer with only one ‘duck length’ between them. Jodie Davis and her duck claimed silver and Chloe Loughran who was racing her dad’s duck claimed bronze.

Councillor Alan Carlisle, Vice-Chair of the Council’s Leisure Services Committee also present, said: “This was a fun-filled way to spend the morning and the £180 raised was donated to ‘Marie Curie Cancer Care’. The children had a brilliant time cheering on their duck from the sidelines; and each one fully embraced the duck derby challenge.”

Proudly showing of their medals are Jack Moriarty, Jodie Davis and Chloe Loughran along with Councillor Alan Carlisle, Vice-Chair of the Council’s Leisure Services Committee and Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor Andrew Ewing