A DUCK race will be held on Sunday as part of a pastoral weekend to raise funds for the St James' Church Under the Roof Appeal.

St James' Church, in Coundon, has raised £200,000 towards the £350,000 needed to build extra community space and an education centre at the church.

The Patronal Festival weekend will be starting with a barbecue tomorrow, in Lingmell Dene, Coundon, at 7pm, followed by mass on Sunday, at 9.15am. The duck race is in Bishop's Park, Auckland Castle, from 2pm.

Father Gary Nicholson, vicar of St James', said: "This is the fourth year we have had the duck race and it is always a fun event.

"This year's theme is King Nepduck and the Waternymphs and we are going to enjoy dressing up in our costumes on the day - it brings a bit of colour and humour to the race.

"We are now almost at our fundraising target and are hoping that the improvements will be finished over the next year.

"The Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage have supported us as well as the community, who have raised funds through coffee mornings and social events. Hopefully the weekend will raise the rest of the cash we need."

Ducks cost £1 and will be on sale at the church.

For more details, call 01388-661985.