Rains send race down an alternative route

Pupils taking part in Dromore Nursery School's annual Duck Race and end of year event.

Torrential rain the night before meant the river was too dangerous for the race proper.

However, local firefighters were on hand to help deliver an alternative for those many to whom the event has long since become a highlight of the social calendar.

In the meantime, thanks went to Alan Patterson for his efforts on the morning to try and make the riverbank safe.

Josiah Rodgers won the children’s race with ‘Alessi Duck’.

George Gibson won the open race with ‘Granda Duck’ and Five-Star Fuels emerged as the winning business.

Meanwhile, Andrew W Chambers picked up the prize for the most original name with his entry, ‘Roary Duck’.

There followed a children’s performance and a summer treat of strawberries and cream with shortbread fingers.

During the performance principal, Mrs Beattie, highlighted key events from the school year.

They included the award of the school’s second green flag and the generous charity work of parents and children who during the school year raised a total of £1, 725.

Mrs Moira Alexander, Chairperson of the Board of Governors, thanked the many people who had helped to make the day a success, among them the school staff, governors, children and parents.

Despite its official end-of-year status, the recent event was not the final activity on Dromore Nursery School’s programme for the year.

“We intend to go out with a bang,” said Mrs Beattie as she looked to those events still to come at the time.

“The school is now set to enjoy its final days of the school year 2012-2013 with a variety of fun events,” she added.

Among the events still to be enjoyed as the last duck romped home were a walk in the park, a trip to the cinema and a safety day, the latter with help from the PSNI sand Amabulance Service, among others.

The local Patricia Hamilton School of Music was also due to lead a musical movement day and Dromore Community Centre was to provide the backdrop for a physical activity day.

The year’s events were finally to be rounded off with a ‘Summer Sunshine Party’,