IN conditions only suitable for ducks, more than 50 families braved a downpour to take part in Dunmow Round Table’s annual race.

As the rain poured, the current along the Chelmer increased, providing the conditions for the 2011 Duck Race to be a fast affair.

At 11am the rubber ducks were dropped in the river and the race was under way.

With reeds and plants providing untimely obstacles for some, eliminating them from contention, others raced along to the finish line under the Braintree Road bridge.

This year’s winning duck belonged to three-year-old Emily Wilson.

Emily’s dad Robert said: “I was so chuffed that she had won. Unfortunately Emily was most upset that she couldn’t keep the duck but thankfully my sister, Angeline, kindly gave her a toy duck to keep her quiet.”

The Round Table raised approximately �500 for local charities.