Rubber duck race held for almost two decades CANCELLED in devastating blow

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The duck race has been postponed due to exceptionally low river levels and the closure of the bridge providing access to the park

A much-beloved rubber duck race has been cancelled for the first time in almost two decades.

The University of Buckingham announced it was forced to delay the annual charity event.

It has taken place for nearly 20 years on the River Great Ouse in Chandos Park.

The university announced on Facebook that it was looking to hold the race during the October half-term instead.

Matthew Cross, the university's director of estates, said they were "naturally disappointed that we have had to postpone this year's Duck Race."

Mr Cross explained that "the combination of exceptionally low water levels in the river and the closure of the bridge into Chandos Park means it would not be possible to run the event safely or ensure easy access for many of our visitors, particularly the children and families attending the Play in the Park activities."

The safety of attendees and the practical difficulties of reaching the venue made proceeding with the scheduled date untenable.

The university described the race as a valued occasion for bringing together the campus and the wider local community, fostering creativity and fun while raising funds for local charities.

Participants can sponsor a duck for as little as £1 to enter the competition.

In keeping with its commitment to environmental sustainability, the university reuses the rubber ducks from year to year rather than discarding them after each race.

This eco-conscious approach helps minimise waste without diminishing the enjoyment of the event, which organisers remain keen to stage once conditions allow later in the autumn.

Duck races are popular charity and community events across the UK where thousands of numbered plastic or rubber ducks are released into a river or canal to race.

Britain has experienced exceptionally low rainfall this summer, affecting river levels accross the nation.

An historic and record-breaking dry July alongside repeated heatwaves resulted in England and Wales recording their driest July since records began nearly 200 years ago.

Some southern areas saw virtually no measurable rain for nearly two months.

Buckinghamshire is currently one of the regions in a drought.