Thousands of rubber ducks took to the water yesterday for a fundraising charity race.

The tenth annual Rubber Duck Derby, at Ordnance Island in St. George's, attracted more entries than ever and raised at least $120,000 for Agape House Hospice. Organiser Karen Dyer, volunteer and fundraising co-ordinator for Friends of the Hospice, told : "The Duck Derby was a great success.

The derby's corporate race attracted 642 entries ? resulting in two contests being held because of a shortage of rubber ducks. There were about 700 ducks in the youth race, 600 in the family race and about 1,000 in a race entitled "Pamper Me", the prizes for which included a trip to New York, massages and other treats.

The top prize in the family race was four British Airways tickets to London and the winner of the youth race picked up a Schwinn Chopper bicycle.

The event featured entertainment from the African Dance Troupe, Bermuda Gombeys and the In Motion dancers. There was also face painting, airbrush tattoos and a children's fun castle.