A bank holiday tradition went swimmingly on Monday.

Weston Mercury: Cheddar Rainbows helping out at Cheddar Lions duck race for their 'night at the library' badges. Picture: MARK ATHERTONCheddar Rainbows helping out at Cheddar Lions duck race for their 'night at the library' badges. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Cheddar Lions' annual race saw 1,750 yellow plastic ducks released into the river for the popular fundraiser.

The Lions' Sylvia Cook said: "The public came out in great numbers to support the event and the Gorge came alive with cheering and laughing as the ducks appeared.

"The community all give generous support to this event and it was good to see the Gorge businesses really busy all day.

"Cheddar Vale Lions Club will be presenting Children's Hospice South West with an approximate amount of £1,500 once our treasurer has finally totted up the takings and donations that were received on the day."

Weston Mercury: Cheddar Lions duck race. Picture: MARK ATHERTONCheddar Lions duck race. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Weston Mercury: Cheddar Lions duck race. Picture: MARK ATHERTONCheddar Lions duck race. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Weston Mercury: Photo finish at Cheddar Lions duck race. Picture: MARK ATHERTONPhoto finish at Cheddar Lions duck race. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Weston Mercury: Getting ready for the start of Cheddar Lions duck race. Picture: MARK ATHERTONGetting ready for the start of Cheddar Lions duck race. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Weston Mercury: The start of Cheddar Lions duck race. Picture: MARK ATHERTONThe start of Cheddar Lions duck race. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Two races were held with Holly (duck number 618) winning the opener, ahead of Jane (001) and Sarah (265). In the second race, Natasha won (497), beating Christine (356) and Mrs E (250). The top three won prizes.

Weston Mercury: Photo finish at Cheddar Lions duck race. Picture: MARK ATHERTONPhoto finish at Cheddar Lions duck race. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)