MORE than 1,000 ducks made the most of rain showers in Haydon Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

The yellow plastic birds were swept down the River South Tyne during the village’s annual duck race.

A team of hardy volunteers waded into the river to collect the ducks as they reached the finish line, underneath the historic old bridge.

Despite the rain, residents turned out in large numbers to cheer on the ducks, and raise funds for Haydon Bridge Cricket Club and Haydon Bridge Playgroup.