A BIT of divine intervention helped rescue hundreds of ducks caught up in netting on the River Stour.

However, a call to the RSPCA was not needed as the ducks in question were yellow and plastic.

Rev Nick Barker, of St George's Church, Kidderminster, ensured a successful end to the town's first duck race. Lucy George, of Kidderminster, watches in hope as her duck goes past in Monday's race on the town stretch of the River Stour.

He waded into the river to rescue hundreds of ducks caught up in netting at the end of the race.

Townsfolk crammed along the River Stour outside Kidderminster's new Tesco store for the event.

The clouds lifted and the sun broke out as 500 yellow plastic ducks were poured into the water for the race which will raise hundreds of pounds for the Mayor of Kidderminster's chosen charities.