THERE were lucky ducks in the water and hundreds more lucky ducks around the shores of the lagoon in Canal Village at Laguna Phuket yesterday.

The ones in the water took part in the first annual Phuket duck race in aid of charities on the island. The ones on the shore enjoyed the sunshine and the bright smiles that came with watching the lucky ducks in the water do all the hard work.

Yellow shirts belonging to Phuket Community Foundation volunteers seemed to be everywhere, mixed in with people from three island radio stations, the Soi Dog Foundation and a host of other local charities.

If he'd had the time to spare, we feel sure PCF spokesperson Alasdair Forbes would have pronounced the day an enormous success.

The night, with its party for those lucky ducks who survived the daytime activities, looked like being fun, too.

Laguna Phuket's Canal Village and its serene surroundings easily coped with a crowd that some estimated could have topped 500, without counting the ducks.

Dragon boat and kayak racing diverted the attention of onlookers who were not happy in the bouncy castle, firing water pistols at empty soft drink cans or enjoying a trendy new boy-in-a-bubble walk across water at 100 baht a pop.

The heavens opened up just as the 1000 yellow birds, spurred on by fanpower at an unprecedented rate of rubber duck knots, reached the finish.

And yes, the downpour did send everyone ducking for cover.

Six lucky winners of major prizes can find their numbers at www.phuketcharity.org