This year's Chester Duck Race raised more than £25,000 for The Countess Charity's Extra Mile Appeal.

Large crowds gathered at the Groves on Saturday (April 25), where a programme of family-friendly activities - including face painting, hook-a-duck and colouring - took place ahead of the duck race itself.

Organised by the charity, the event attracted businesses from across the area, each decorating and racing corporate ducks to raise funds for the Countess of Chester Hospital.

The Extra Mile Appeal helps fund additional equipment such as bladder scanners, ultrasound scanners and ECG machines. As these items are often shared between wards, the funding allows staff to work more efficiently by providing resources beyond core NHS provision.

The competition was judged by the Lord Mayor of Chester, with several other local businesses and schools receiving special commendations.

Prize winners included Travelbag, decorated by Saighton Primary School, which was named Facebook Favourite, while Dalika was crowned fastest duck. Admiral Taverns won Best Dressed, and Lloyds, in partnership with Kings Infant & Junior School, was awarded Best Celebrity Lookalike.

Among the entries was Belong Chester's duck, "Ali", inspired by Global Intergenerational Week and created in support of Alzheimer's Society.

The design featured hand-painted forget-me-nots - a symbol of dementia awareness - alongside "DuckBy", a hybrid duck-and-bee character inspired by the organisation's B's Café.

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The free café, held monthly, offers refreshments, conversation and access to Admiral Nurse support for families affected by dementia.

The design was created collaboratively by Belong Chester residents and children from Ready Generations Nursery, who worked together to develop and build the concept.

Dyan Crimes, intergenerational experience coordinator at Belong Chester, said: "With Global Intergenerational Week falling on the Duck Race weekend this year, it made for the perfect opportunity to bring everyone together to build our entry.

"Our customers love sharing their home with the children and we find many take every opportunity they can to spend time with their young friends, impart their wisdom, and support their development. It's wonderful to see." 

Hickory's Smokehouse Chester was the main sponsor of the event, with Admiral Taverns supporting the raffle.

A spokesperson for The Countess Charity said: "We're thrilled to share that together we raised an incredible £25,229.77 for our Extra Mile Appeal. This simply wouldn't have been possible without your support - thank you!"

They also thanked volunteers, sponsors and event partners for their contribution to the day.