A MYSTERY which left a County Durham man with dozens of yellow rubber ducks in the post has finally been SOLVED - more than three weeks on.

Peter Jackson of Ushaw Moor, near Durham, first told The Northern Echo how he had been driven absolutely 'quackers' following a series of rogue deliveries.

The 76-year-old was receiving parcels almost every day from Amazon, despite not having an online account.

As days went by, Mr Jackson found himself inundated with dozens of rubber ducks, a packet of crackers and even a dog's bone.

Despite probing close family members, who all denied any involvement, Mr Jackson was left baffled by the mysterious goings-on.

But The Northern Echo can today exclusively reveal that the mystery has been solved - and there is an extremely heartwarming reason behind it all.

The Northern Echo: The ducks started appearing weeks ago The ducks started appearing weeks ago

Dawn Goddard of Irvine in North Ayrshire in Scotland said: "Every time I called my dad he sounded more lonely and fed up.

"With both of us shielding and me living more than 200 miles away there was nothing I could do."

Ms Goddard, who is Mr Jackson's daughter, told The Echo how a seemingly off-the-wall idea became possible.

The Northern Echo:

She said: "I just wanted to cheer him up and make him smile. With the help of friends on Amazon wish list gifting and Facebook, a few gifts were sent his way.

"I'm not entirely sure what started the ducks but I thought it would be funny if one or two turned up and it did make him laugh.

"So more were sent and more - every one was having a good laugh at the prank and loved sending him a smile.

"I shared the story with the groups and more and more wanted to join in the fun."

A total of 17 rubber ducks (and one cloth duck) has been received by Mr Jackson, along with a bottle of Jack Daniels, shower gel, duck patterned shower curtain, chocolate, a book on guns and an inflatable dog tub.

The Northern Echo: Mr Jackson just days after the parcels started to arriveMr Jackson just days after the parcels started to arrive

Ms Goddard said: "Not only did we make my dad smile but everyone who took part in the prank was smiling and laughing, everyone who had been told about his ducks found it funny.

"My dad means the world to me and I couldn't bear the thought of him sad - I just hope dad forgives me."

Mr Jackson spoke of his relief as he confirmed he had forgiven his daughter for the extremely clever prank.

He said he was looking forward to treating his dog, Loki to all of the treats received after initial reservations of their origin.

He said: "I didn't expect it to be Dawn, to be honest I didn't think they could afford it, It was driving me quackers.

"But it was a good laugh in the end, I don’t think anybody was upset by it apart from my son Gavin, who was trying to sort it all out for me at the time."

"I am just pleased it happened, it did cheer me up."

Mr Jackson also received a hamper from Amazon’s head office team in recognition of his puzzling ordeal.

A spokesperson for Amazon said: "We hope this mystery brought some cheer and that Mr Jackson enjoys his gifts."