THOUSANDS of plastic ducks were tipped into River Wear at the weekend to raise money for charity.

Durham mayor John Lightley and crew members of HMS Invincible were on hand to see the ducks dropped from a digger at the Elvet Bridge, in Durham.

The ducks raced down to Kingsbridge, with the owner of the winning duck -still to be announced -getting £1,000.

The event was under threat, but a machine from Ward Brothers Plant Hire, on the Littleburn Industrial Estate, Langley Moor, was offered following an appeal in The Northern Echo.

This year's proceeds will be shared by WaterAid, Coun Lightley's charity appeal, St Cuthbert's Hospice's Key Appeal and the appeal for Durham Christmas lights.

The event was organised by the Durham City Forum, with Northumbrian Water and the Durham University Charities Kommittee (Duck).