A QUACKING day of duck-themed fun was held at a nature reserve to raise cash for a family charity.

Homestart Harwich hatched five ducklings as part of a project with children using the centre in Stour Road, Bathside.

After touring some local stay and play groups, the ducklings were the star attraction at a fundraising event on Saturday.

The Duck Day saw families explore Bobbit’s Hole nature reserve in Main Road, Dovercourt, play hook-a-duck, pick-a-straw and create duck masks.

There was also a tombola, face-painting and a chance to feed the ducklings with lettuce and grapes.

Colin Farnell, chairman of the Harwich Society which owns and runs Bobbit’s Hole, said: “This was a truly fantastic event.

“It is for days like this that the Bobbit’s Hole volunteers work so hard throughout the year.

“Bobbit’s Hole was looking great, the weather was superb and Homestart brought the place to life with a brilliant community event. Everyone was smiling from beginning to end.”

More than 300 people turned out for the event, which raised £540.37 for Homestart.

Wendy Taylor-Jones, manager, said: “We’ve hatched chicks for the past three years - it really engages the families and it helps to get them in and they access other support when they are here. At the end of it I rehome the chickens.

“This year we wanted to do ducks and we did this as a joint project as the Harwich Society said they would be more than happy to rehome the ducks at Bobbit’s Hole.

“It’s quite an expensive project to run and that’s why we had the Duck Day - we raised double the amount the project cost.”

Anyone able to volunteer or needing support from Homestart should call 01255 556230.