Teddington RNLI lifeboat station's Open Day on Sunday (8 June) saw up to 2,000 visitors and a race for 1600 RNLI and other assorted ducks.

A true community event, the day brought together Teddington restaurants, cafes, pubs and community groups.

The duck race was jointly organised by Teddington RNLI and Teddington Together, a local group representing independent businesses and raised in excess of £4,000 which will be shared between the lifeboat station and the Christmas Lights Up event in November.

Stallholders on the day were Ruba Restaurant, Shambles Restaurant, The Wharf Restaurant, The Anglers Pub, Teddington Together, Teddington Society and Teddington Rotary.

RNLI volunteers manned a water safety station, a photo booth, a theatrical makeup stall, souvenirs stall and the ever-popular cakes and biscuits tables in the boat hall. Crew members also undertook demonstrations of the lifeboats in action.

Emergency services, London Fire Brigade were present with two fire engines and members of the Water Safety Centre demonstrated the dangers that are specific to the Teddington weir. Local Metropolitan Police officers also visited to meet residents.

The Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Noel Hadjimichael said: "What a great day! Teddington came out in droves to support their local traders and RNLI Lifeboat Station. The volunteers for this important charity do great life-saving work and I was delighted to share their special day."

"The duck race certainly brought our community and traders together and we were pleased to organise it alongside Teddington RNLI. We're already planning for next year!" said, Mel Franke of Teddington Together

Matt Allchurch, Lifeboat Operations Manager added: "We were blown away by our local community's response. Our Open Day was all about engaging with them and letting them know about all that we do. Our volunteer crew was delighted to welcome them."