THIS was the moment hundreds of bright yellow ducks bobbed down a Winchester river to boost funds for a church community.

More than 200 people turned up for the annual Easton Duck Race to show their support for Itchen Valley Churches (IVC).

The bright yellow ducks - all 801 of them - 'paddled' down the River Itchen as competitors eagerly watched and cheered from the sidelines.

New rector Amanda Denniss started the race and villager Robert Hall took to a megaphone to provide running commentary.

The total raised from Sunday's event is still being counted, but organisers said it is over £2,000.

Anna Burness, Easton churchwarden, said a wonderful day was had by all.

"We were stunned by it, it was really lovely," she said.

"Children were painting each other's faces - it was great! All of the prizes were won by local people."

She added that people from all ages came together for the race, from new-born babies to 94-year-olds.

"It's quite unusual our community. There's a real sense of everybody mucking in.

"Lots of these villages that are picture-perfect pretty are just full of commuter bankers, but not here."

After the race people gathered for a BBQ.

IVC comprises four churches: St Mary's in Easton, St Swithun's in Martyr Worthy, St John the Baptist in Itchen Abbas and St Mary's in Avington, and holds regular fundraising events.