Over a thousand rubber ducks could be seen meandering down a village brook in Rayne’s annual duck race which raised over £1,500 for the First Rayne Scouts Group, with 400 locals cheering them on.

Dunmow Broadcast: The annual Rayne Duck Race took in Pod's Brook. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTOThe annual Rayne Duck Race took in Pod's Brook. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2018)

However, a pair of mallards relaxing in Pod’s Brook got in a flap when confronted by the yellow brigade, on May 7.

Individuals paid a pound to enter a duck in the race, which has been held for over 20 years, and which lasted for 25 minutes this year, covering about 500 metres.

Sarah Everett from scouts group, which has about 80 members, said the money would possibly go towards more outdoor sports equipment and a new fire pit. The money will also be used to maintain the scouts’ building- also used by the Brownies.

Sarah said 1,400 ducks were entered in the race.

Dunmow Broadcast: The annual Rayne Duck Race took in Pod's Brook. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTOThe annual Rayne Duck Race took in Pod's Brook. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2018)

A projector was bought with the money from last year’s race, meaning the groups can now have film nights.

Dunmow Broadcast: The annual Rayne Duck Race took in Pod's Brook. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTOThe annual Rayne Duck Race took in Pod's Brook. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2018)

Dunmow Broadcast: The annual Rayne Duck Race took in Pod's Brook. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTOThe annual Rayne Duck Race took in Pod's Brook. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2018)