PEOPLE wanting to take part in Durham's third annual duck race will be able to enter by sending a text message.
Sending the word 'duck' to the number 60999 will cost £1.50, although ducks will still be available from outlets in the city for £1.
The event will be held on Sunday, November 6, when 20,000 plastic ducks will be dropped into the River Wear from Elvet Bridge and will race down to Kingsbridge.
The owner of the winning duck will receive £1,000.
Members of The Durham City Forum, which is organising the event with Northumbrian Water and the Durham University Charities Kommittee, say they hope the text service, which opened at the weekend, will increase entries.
In both previous years the event has raised more than £9,000 for charities.
This year's proceeds will be shared by WaterAid, Durham Mayor John Lightley's charity appeal, St Cuthbert's Hospice's Key Appeal and the appeal for Durham's Christmas lights.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article