A FLOCK of plastic ducks has changed the lives of more than 100 people in the developing world.

WaterAid, the charity adopted by Northumbrian Water, has just received its share of the proceeds from last November's Durham Duck Race, when 20,000 plastic ducks were released into the River Wear, at Durham City.

The annual event, organised by the Durham University Charities Kommittee, raised thousands of pounds for charity, including a donation of £1,600 to WaterAid.

Alistair Baker, public relations officer for WaterAid in the area, said: "20,000 plastic ducks tipped off a bridge and floating down the Wear is now a popular annual attraction which, in addition to being a fun spectacle, is also a great fundraiser for good causes.

"We take it for granted that when we turn on the tap, we get quality water safe to drink, and that when we flush the toilet, what comes naturally is treated out of sight and out of mind to be safely returned to the environment.

"Billions of people in the world are not so fortunate. A child dies every 17 seconds in the developing world from disease caused by dirty water, and yet it only costs £15 to provide someone there with clean water, safe sanitation and hygiene education for life."