Fall in a good cause . . .

19/11/2007

THE Mayor of Durham got an annual charity event under way by tipping 20,000 plastic ducks into the River Wear.

Councillor Bob Wynn pulled the lever on the JCB to start Grand Durham Duck Race.

It was organised by Durham University Charities Kommittee (Duck) and attracted hundreds of people to the city centre.

Coun Wynn said: "Students occasionally get a bad name, but this shows what they are really like.

"They bring life to the city and do a lot of good for the city."

The event was held at 1pm between Elvet Bridge and Kingsgate Bridge, in Durham City. The owner of the winning duck ticket will receive £1,000.

advertisementSecond and third places will win £300 and £200 respectively.

Proceeds from this year's race will go towards Northumbrian Water's adopted international charity, WaterAid, the Butterwick Hospice, the Mayor's Appeal and Durham City Christmas Lights.

Duck manager Anthony Boden described the race as "the jewel in the crown" of Duck's events".

He said: "It is very, very important for the city and brings together the student body and the local community, and raising money for some very worthwhile causes."

9:02am Monday 19th November 2007

The Northern Echo - www.thenorthernecho.co.uk