THERE were idyllic scenes from Mansbridge to Woodmill, as more than 2,400 plastic ducks were dropped into the River Itchen on one of the hottest days of the year.

The 28th annual Lions Club duck race saw hundreds crowd the banks of the river to cheer along their contestants - but it could be the last time the event is held.

With no wind and slow currents it was a gentle race - but with a £250 cash prize donated by the Lions along with 23 other prizes donated by local businesses, there was plenty of incentive to stay until the end.

But organisers warned that unless more volunteers step up this race could be the last, as the long-standing members of the committee think about retirement.

Treasurer Malcolm Carter said: “Our fundraiser is 81, and I’m in my 60s and I’ve only got one lung.

“We really need more people to come along and help otherwise there might not be a race next year

“I’ve been in the Lions since 1982. It was my idea to set this up 29 years ago - and I went up to London to borrow 1,000 ducks. We sold 800 and we’ve been doing it ever since.

“We’ve raised money for a dishwasher for Fair Isle Junior School’s after-school cooking club, and bought a wardrobe for a Syrian refugee who had nothing. But without members we can’t raise money.”

Chair Louise Crook said: “It’s great fun but hard work and the less of us there are the more work it is. We’ve done it with help from Swanwick Lions.”

The Swanwick Lions club meets every first Wednesday in Sarisbury Community Centre from 7.30pm.