Hundreds turn out as Salford Quays turned into a giant bath for huge rubber duck race

Hundreds of people turned out as the big Salford Duck Race made its return. The popular annual event sees hundreds of rubber ducks thrown into the water for a race in of the Manchester Ship Canal basins at Salford Quays.

Lockdown restrictions meant it had to be cancelled for the past two years. However big crowds turned out and took advantage of the warm bank holiday weather as they lined the stretch of water near the Helly Hanses Watersports Centre for the race this afternoon (Friday).

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It began with a race involving 32 large decorated ducks all sponsored by local firms. That was then followed by the showpiece 'community race' where all the individually numbered smaller, yellow rubber ducks entered by members of the public were thrown in.

This year a total 700 people paid £2.50 to enter a duck in the race with a fire engine hose manned by a firefighter providing the current to propel them along as families cheered and craned their necks to how theirs was doing. Prizes for the winners included tickets for shows at the Lowry Theatre and a year's supply of Irn Bru.

All the money raised was in aid of a good cause. The final figure raised is yet to be calculaed. But all the proceeds are going to MedEquip4Kids who organised the event.

Based on Deansgate in Manchester city centre, the charity tarted out in 1985, and has gone on to raise more than £24 million to fund neonatal and paediatric medical equipment.

It also has bankrolled sensory and play facilities in hospitals, specialised equipment for disabled children, and mental health support. The main community race was won by Jessica Bradley, 31, from Worsley, who was