THREE thousand, five hundred ducks will take to the river in Burley-in-Wharfedale on Sunday for the annual duck race.

The yellow plastic ducks are released into the River Wharfe to race downstream on the current to the finish line.

The ducks will be raising money for Burley Community Trust and the Burley Scouts and Guides new headquarters appeal.

Burley-in-Wharfedale Community Trust chairman, Duncan Ault, said: “This is one of the most popular events in the Burley calendar, with huge numbers of people coming down to the river to cheer on their duck.

“This year there will be one or two different ducks to look out for, including a large blue one, called Colin, sponsored by the Co-op and one pretending to be a parrot!”

The event takes place at 2pm on Sunday June 23rd, on the riverside east of Burley.

The race costs £1 per duck to enter, with cash prizes (top prize £100).

Tickets can be purchased at the Deli, at Burley Barbers and at Dacres.

The race will be followed by tea and delicious home-made cakes on the village green, organised by the Burley Guides.

The main access from the village is down Corn Mill Lane (near St Mary’s Church) which involves crossing the main A65 on the by-pass near to the roundabout.

Alternatives are under the Iron Row tunnel or from the lay-by towards Otley.

Local police have indicated that they will be present at the main road crossing but their presence cannot be guaranteed.

The River Wharfe can be fast flowing and deep and only authorised helpers should enter the water.

Please note that parents must take responsibility for children and dogs, and exercise caution next to the river; this is an unsupervised event.

If anyone is available to help at the river, contact Tom Sumner on 07932 791583.

The Community Trust provides services and facilities to benefit the village of Burley.

It organises the village’s Christmas lights, hanging baskets, the village website and helps with many more projects all around Burley.

In addition to fundraising events, the Community Trust also operates a membership scheme, where Burley residents can support the work of the Trust.

Renewals are now due for the 2019/20 membership year. Visit http://www.burleycommunitytrust.org/join-or-renew-online.html for more details.