Lotus duck proves popular in Norwich auction

More than �3,000 was raised for charity when 80 specially decorated plastic ducks went up for auction in Norwich.

The ducks from the corporate leg of the Grand Norwich Duck Race have drawn a lot of interest and the final auction did not disappoint, pushing the overall total from the event to over �14,000.

The ducks had previously gone head to head in a race organised by The Ribs of Beef pub on the River Wensum late last month.

They travelled from St Georges Bridge down to the pub at Fye Bridge, before 5,000 smaller ducks followed them in another race.

All 80 ducks were then put up for auction at the Maid's Head Hotel on Thursday to raise more money for Break, which helps vulnerable people in the local community.

The popular Team Lotus duck 'Karun Chanduck' was snapped up by an anonymous bidder for �750 after a fierce contest, while the winning duck from Tombland Jewellers was also in high demand as it went for �500. Liz Richards, senior communications and marketing officer at Break, said: 'The auctioneer Keith Cross was fantastic working his magic to woo the audience into parting with their money – and they did to the tune of �3,400.

'Most of the ducks have found new homes and the ducks that didn't will be looked after until they do.

'Break would like to thank The Ribs of Beef, Anthea and Roger Cawdron and their team, the Maid's Head all the sponsors, bidders and artists for making this an evening to remember.'

Are you holding a charity event? Call Local Life editor Richard Wood on 01603 772423 or email richard.wood@archant.co.uk