Crowds of people went quackers in Elmbridge today when around 165,000 rubber ducks were released into the Thames for a charity race.

Celebrities including former Playschool presenter Floella Benjamin and racing pundit John McCririck turned out to watch the ducks being released from Molesey Lock near Hampton Court for the Great British Duck Race.

Organisers said they hoped to set a new World Record and raise over £500,000 for UK charities.

The public had been invited to pay £2 to adopt a duck and make a donation to charity - with the winning toy netting its owner £10,000.

The winner of the first prize and the 30 runner-ups are due to be announced tomorrow.

Charities set to benefit from money raised in the event include Age Concern, NSPCC and Barnardo's.