THE annual charity duck race held by the Hook and Odiham Lions has been declared a success, entertaining locals and raising money for Odiham Cottage Hospital.

The event took place on Saturday, 2 September 2 at The Crooked Billet and saw the ducks launched from the bridge on the A30 , travelling down the Whitewater River.

The Hook and Odiham Lions is a non-profit, charity organisation, holding events to help the community and the day proved to be successful with attenders enjoying the atmosphere.

The money was raised for Odiham Cottage Hospital, which is situated in the heart of Odiham and provides a range of services to residents such as nursing services, counselling services and social day care for older people.

Secretary of the Hook and Odiham Lions, Judith Goodchild said: “We had a very successful day after selling all our tickets.

“The weather was very kind to us, thank you to all who supported us, either during the day or in the weeks leading up to the event.”

Overall, £1,547 was raised for Odiham Cottage Hospital, which was all of the profit made from the duck race.

The president of the Hook and Odiham Lions, Kevin Oliver was able to present the cheque to Janet Kelley from The Odiham Cottage Hospital at the end of the day’s racing.

The first prize of £200 from this year’s competition went to Lynn Turnball from Farnham, the second prize of £100 was awarded to Sam Butler from Hartley Wintney and the third prize of £50 was award to John Goodchold from Tadley.

Judith added: “We are here to serve the community as well as we can, and this event is a good way we can do it.

“It’s great to raise so much money for the local community and especially for such a good cause like the Odiham Cottage Hospital.”

The Hook and Odiham Lions have many more events coming up over the course of the rest of the year The next event, being held on Saturday, 28 October 28 is being called Spooktacular as it will be mix of Halloween activities and Bonfire Night fireworks.

To find out more about the Hook and Odiham Lions visit hookandodihamlions.co.uk/ or find the group on Facebook at facebook.com/Hook-Odiham-Lions-Club-298117800314683/