MPs unite to race their ducks

MPs were not 'ducking' the issue on the Thames

MPs threw aside their party differences to join in a battle of a different kind.

For Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Tessa Jowell there was no ducking the issue.

Her bright yellow plastic entrant came in first for the second year in a row in the Thames Water Parliamentary Duck Race.

More than 60 MPs and Greater London Authority members went to Westminster Bridge to launch their ducks.

This event has now been firmly established as a fun way to promote a serious environmental message as well as benefitting various good causes.

Tessa Jowell MP

The annual event, which is now in its third year, is designed to promote an ongoing operation by the utility company to ensure the Thames remains the cleanest it has been in a century.

A total charity prize fund of £3,500 was up for grabs to the first three past the winning post on the 500-metre course.

The secret behind Ms Jowell's success remained under wraps, but speaking before the race she was quietly confident.

She said: "This event has now been firmly established as a fun way to promote a serious environmental message as well as benefiting various good causes.

Tessa Jowell got a 'fortuitous' second win

"It is also an excellent opportunity for MPs from all sides to get together for some post-election friendly rivalry."

A Thames Water spokeswoman said Ms Jowell's win could only be explained as a "fortuitous coincidence".

She said: "There is not much skill involved, you just throw the duck in and it's first past the post."

Ms Jowell's £2,000 winnings will go to good causes in her Dulwich and West Norwood constituency.

Fish returns

Runners-up were John Cryer MP who won £1,000 and Edward Davey MP, who walked away with £500.

Since 1989, Thames Water has invested more than £1bn in improving the water quality of the river.

The river is now home to 118 species of fish, including the twaite shad, which has just returned after a 100-year absence, according to the Environment Agency.