Thousands of rubber ducks raced through a London canal to raise money for critically ill children, turning a charity event into a colourful spectacle

Thousands of bright yellow rubber ducks floated down a London canal in a cheerful race that drew smiles from spectators while raising money for a serious cause.

The annual Cosmic Rubber Duck Race returned to Paddington Basin on the Grand Union Canal, where up to 3,000 numbered rubber ducks were released into the water and drifted around 100 metres towards the finish line.

Behind the colourful spectacle was a fundraising campaign organised by Cosmic, a UK charity that supports babies and children receiving intensive care and their families.

Participants sponsored individual ducks, with proceeds helping fund specialist equipment, family support services, medical research and staff training at hospitals in London.Why thousands of rubber ducks took over a London canalThe Cosmic Rubber Duck Race is one of London's most unusual charity events.

Rather than traditional fundraising activities such as marathons or sponsored walks, the event invites people to adopt a numbered rubber duck before race day.