A popular New Year’s Day race with a difference is set to return to a west Dorset town.

The Lyme Regis New Year’s Day Duck Race is set for another triumphant return to Lyme Regis.

Hundreds of numbered bright yellow rubber ducks are set to be released into the River Lim at Woodmead Road Bridge from 12pm on Monday, January 1.

They will make their way down the river towards the finish line at Jordan Flats.

Ducks cost £1 and can be bought online or on the day from 11.15am, but organisers are advising to buy the ducks in advance as they sold out last year.

Last year, a record breaking 2,200 ducks were sold for the annual race- won by Ross Parker’s duck ‘1949.’

All of the money raised from the event will go towards the Lyme Regis Christmas Lights in 2024.

The race will be started by the Mayor and Mayoress of Lyme Regis, David and Erica Sarson, who will be accompanied by Town Crier, Alan Vian.

Supporters can watch the race from the banks of the river to the finish line, where cash prizes will be handed out.

The owner of the first duck across the line will win £50, whilst second place will receive £25, and a third-place finish will win £10.

There will also be a special consolation prize of £5 for the duck that comes in last place.

Organisers of this year’s event said that there will be a giant net to capture the ducks after the line to reuse for the following year’s event.

The race will be swiftly followed by the Lyme Lunge where swimmers, many in fancy dress, will brave the cold to take a dip into the sea off Cobb beach.

The New Year's Day dip has become an annual tradition in Lyme Regis with hundreds of brave souls will brave the plunge into the sea dressed in weird and wonderful outfits.

If you would like to purchase a duck, visit: https://lymechristmaslights.co.uk/buyducks.

Any winners that are not able to attend the race will be notified if their duck makes the top three.