Sidmouth’s famous rubber duckies are busy preparing for the town’s annual Duck Derby, readying themselves to race down the river while spectators cheer them on.

Sidmouth Herald: The yellow ducks on their way.The yellow ducks on their way. (Image: Archant)

There are just two days left to get your tickets for the Sidmouth Lions’ annual Duck Derby, which is one of the most popular events in the town’s calender.

There will plenty to do and see on the big day which will be held on Sunday in The Byes between 2pm and 4pm.

The Duck Derby consists of two large duck races on the River Sid, between Sid Park Road and Salcombe Road bridges.

There will also be attractions for children, starting at 2pm, including the duck and spoon races, other fun games, a big slide, a bouncy castle and tasty ice-cream.

Mums, dads and grandparents who want to participate in the duck and spoon races will need to assemble adjacent to the Sid Park Road pedestrian bridge at 2pm.

The corporate red ducks, which are sponsored by local businesses and organisations, will be the first to take to the water at 2.45pm.

Once again, cash prizes for first, second and third place will be divided between local charities chosen by the winning businesses or organisations.

A flock of 5,000 yellow ducks will then be plunging themselves into the River Sid, from Sid Park Road Bridge, for the main event at 3pm. The ducks will then race downstream to the finish line at the weir by Salcombe Road.

This year’s main charity beneficiaries will be the Sidmouth Admiral Nurse Appeal and Devon Freewheelers – the voluntary courier service for emergency medical supplies.

Tickets for the yellow ducks are £1 each and there is also £1,015 in cash prizes to be won.

Tickets are on sale at Paper Moon, in Fore Street, and at No 83 for Cards in the High Street. Tickets may also be purchased from the Lions stall outside the Co-op store from 10am to 5pm on July 3-6 and on July 10-13.

Sid Valley businesses are also being asked to sponsor one or more of the red corporate ducks.

Sidmouth Lions will also have an information tent just inside the main Salcombe Road entrance to The Byes. Members of the public have been invited to pop in for an informal chat with the friendly lions and find out more about the organisation, their activities, future events and memberships.

Visit www.sidmouthlions.org.uk for more information.