A HAMPSHIRE MP handed over his garden on Sunday (June 16) to a bunch of pigs to make money out of ducks.

To explain, George Hollingbery was happy to lend his lawns to the Alresford Pigs Association to organise the bi-annual charity race where scores of plastic ducks race along the River Alre.

Mr Hollingbery, MP for the Meon Valley, regularly allows the grounds of his home, Weir House near Alresford, to be used to raise money for charity. Proceeds from the event will go to local good causes.

The Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Ernie Jeffs who represents The Alresfords ward, started the first race.

As well as the duck racing there was a circus skills workshop, face painting, a bouncy castle and a treasure hunt.

An estimated 700 people attended the free event and organisers hope to have raised around £6,000.

Alresford Pigs chairman Kevin Burrows said: “Despite the early inclement weather once the skies cleared the public flocked in to make the event another resounding success.”

Mr Burrows paid tribute to the organiser Bill Biggs who ensured the event ran smoothly and also to George and Janette Hollingbery.

He said: “Their hospitality is fantastic. They opened their doors and gave us free rein and looked after us very well. Their generosity is greatly appreciated.”

Mr Biggs said: “It was a new experience. It went exactly as I hoped. We would have liked to have had the sun out earlier but I’m over the moon as to the way it went.”

Among the recipients of funds from the Pigs recently have been Cherry Tree Preschool, Sun Hill infants and Sun Hill junior schools.