AROUND thirty hardy walkers left the village hall car park on a very hot Saturday afternoon for a walk from Huntington. They were dropped off just outside the village to trek a shortened version of the original route, due to the very hot weather.

Later, one thousand yellow plastic ducks 'raced' along the village stream, with a little help from adults and children wielding sticks, who helped extricate the competitors from weeds and grass.

Some ducks, admittedly, raced upside down, sideways or even backwards but all made the valiant effort to swim downstream.

First duck home belonged to Mark Gratton, 2nd Mandy Dyer and 3rd Martin Turner. The first three prizes were cash, £30, £20 and £15 but other prizes were awarded to Jan Holt, Allan Hyde, Chris,June Lloyd, Jenny McLeod, Billy, Judy Cooke, Christine Rogers and Dee Harrison. The booby prize for last duck home was won by Mrs Betty Johnson - a bottle of Duck toilet cleaner!

Following the duck race, a ploughman's tea was enjoyed in the hall and prize winners were announced by committee chairman, Mr Viv Lloyd.

The village hall committee wish to thank everyone for their support. The proceeds of this year's event raised £1000 and will be used for the upkeep of the village hall, an extremely well equipped and attractive venue for many social events and available for hire. Further details from village hall secretary Mrs Marlene Evans on 01544 370646 or visit the village website on www.gladestry.org.uk.