MORE than 3,000 ducks were let loose in the river at Colchester’s Castle Park.

The Colchester Forum Rotary Club organised a duck race to raise money for the Colchester Hospital Charity’s Cancer Centre Campaign.

Tony Dutch, from the rotary club, said about 3,600 ducks were sold at £1 each.

He even dressed up as a duck for the event.

He said: “Everyone seemed to enjoy the day, I want to say thank you to the Colchester Canoe Club.

“About 20 of them were in the river collecting the ducks and controlling them so they wouldn’t get tangled up.

“We are hoping to make this an annual event as we were pleasantly surprised with the number of people.”

The event was held during the Hospital Radio Fun Day, and was sponsored by Ellisons Solicitors.

Tony thanked both organisations for their support.

The Cancer Centre Campaign, which is supported by the Gazette, aims to raise £3.25 million to bring cancer services together at Colchester General Hospital.

The winner was Nick Meaden, who walked away with the £200 prize.

Allison Summney won £100 for second place and Maggie Cooper won £50 for third place.