CUBS and scouts are preparing for a ducking in the river this weekend - but none of them will get wet.

The youngsters will release hundreds of plastic ducks in the River Derwent at Allensford on Saturday for a sponsored race.

The 1st Leadgate Scout Group hopes to raise up to £1,000 from the event so it can continue to operate its policy of taking every child on trips whether they can afford it or not.

The group also hopes to be able to afford new camping gear.

Scout leader Adrian Hughes explained that the scout group, which is one of the few in the country to have a pennant for war service, was only revived five years ago. The group received its war pennant from the Government for guarding railway lines and road crossing duty in the second world war.

The day gets under way at noon and as well as the duck race there will be activities for all the family, including a bouncy castle, stalls and a barbecue.

There will be ten winners in the duck race, which starts at 3.30pm. Entrants pay £1 and the first ten ducks to make it over the finishing line will win a prize.

To enter call Mr Hughes on (01207) 580377.