MORE than 800 plastic ducks were released on Sunday as Menstrie’s Duck Race returned after a two-year absence.

Due to the Covid-19 restrictions in place over the last 24 months, Menstrie Community Council were unable to hold their annual Duck Race.

However, after a frustrating break, the much loved event returned on Sunday, April 17 with double the crowd that was expected.

James Bull, of Menstrie Community Council, told the Advertiser: “We had twice as many [participants] as expected, sun was shining, kids were happy. It was absolutely fantastic.

“We had originally four races with 400 ducks but the queues were so long we couldn’t possibly stop at four so in the end we did eight races with 800 ducks going through.

“We had a bouncy play area for the kids and face painting which went down a treat with adults and kids.

“We also had a lady in a duck suit – which we named Egg Sheeran – going around taking selfies with kids.”

Each duck costs £1 with all money going to the community council to fund further projects.

Along with the 800 ducks – totalling £800 – and a percentage from the stalls on the day, £1,000 was raised for the community council.

James continued: “We’re really looking forward to the gala on June 11. We’ve also got events in the week leading up to gala day.”

The community council put a thank you message on its Facebook page and James was delighted to see attendees posting photos and nice comments from the day.

James continued: “We are over the moon, we really are. The amount of people…the whole of Menstrie turned out.

“We couldn’t have asked for better. We’ve got a lot to live up to next year.”