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Duck race postponed due to low river levels

Tony FisherBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire
University of Buckingham Rubber ducks lined up on a wall. They are all painted or decorated in different colours. The wall is most likely a bridge over a river.University of Buckingham
The ducks in the competition are sponsored with a minimum £1 donation

A rubber duck race held for almost two decades has been postponed due to a lack of water in a river.

The annual charity event is hosted by the University of Buckingham and takes place on the River Great Ouse in Chandos Park in the town.

In an announcement on Facebook, the university said it hoped to reschedule for the October half-term.

The race, which is open to everyone in the town, the university alumni, students and staff, was scheduled to take place on 25 August.

University of Buckingham People gathered on a river bank and on a pedestrian bridge over the river watching a rubber duck race. There are trees on either side of the river.University of Buckingham
The university also gave the closure of the pedestrian bridge into Chandos Park as a reason for the postponement

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

"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 university said the event was an opportunity to bring the campus and the local community together for some fun and creativity and raise money for local charities.

Each duck can be sponsored for the race with a minimum donation of £1.

The rubber ducks used in the race are reused to support environmental sustainability.

The university said this eco-friendly initiative helped to reduce waste while maintaining the fun and excitement of the event.

University of Buckingham A river with a wooden footbridge over it and a red brick building in the background. There is a road in the background with trees nearby.University of Buckingham
The university said it had to postpone the duck race due to low water levels

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