A DUCK race is providing the opportunity to go 'quackers' in aid of a hospice.

On Saturday, August 11, the Nightingale House Hospice Duck Race and Family Fun Day promises thrills and entertainment on the River Dee.

The event will be held at the Royal Oak in Bangor-on-Dee from 11am to 4pm.

Ducks are on sale now through the purchase of £2 raffle tickets available in the coming weeks from a range of locations including Nightingale House, Caffi Cwtch and the Royal Oak.

The event will take the form of eight duck race heats comprising 250 yellow ducks in each, followed by a grand final of the fastest 25 from each race, with cash prizes to be won. Sponsors are being sought for the eight races.

A highlight of the day is set to be the `Giant Duck Race’ at the end of the afternoon featuring a flock of 32cm `mega’ ducks decorated on the theme of 'Celebrity Duck-a-likes'.

The giant ducks, which are available in six colours – red, black, pink, blue, green and yellow, are being sold to local companies and organisations for £200 for them to take away and decorate ahead of the big day.

There will be trophies for the Giant Duck Race event winner and Best Dressed Celebrity Duck-a-Like.

The family day out, sponsored this year by Brother Industries of Wrexham, will have refreshments, stalls and activities at the Royal Oak as well as the races themselves.

Nightingale House Hospice is the only adult hospice in Wales with its own hydrotherapy pool and the event will help support patients who use this invaluable treatment.

It costs £50 to provide one session so the purchase of 25 small racing ducks would cover that cost with the purchase of a giant duck paying for the equivalent of four sessions.

The event will be helped along by members of the Bangor-on-Dee Salmon Angling Association (BODSA) who will be in the water in their waders starting off each race and collecting the ducks from the finishing line under the Bangor-on-Dee bridge.

Hospice Fundraiser Debbie Barton is looking forward to the event, now in its second year. She said: “We are all excited to repeat the event which was such a resounding success last year both in terms of fund raising and entertainment for all those who attended and took part.

"Our giant ducks are proving a hit already with businesses and organisations planning to decorate them as famous celebrities. It’s going to be great fun and we hope it will help to raise lots of money for hospice funds.”

Victoria Lloyd, area manager at the Royal Oak said: “The team here at The Royal Oak is really looking forward to the duck race again. We are working alongside the hospice team to plan a fun-filled day for everyone in aid of such a good cause. We will be selling ducks all through the summer and urge people to get involved.”

Keith Evans, chairman of BODSA added: “Our members are once again delighted to support Nightingale House. We will be positioned around the banks of the Dee, at the start position and the finishing line with our nets at the ready to catch all the ducks so we can pick out the winners in order. We will also be cheering on our BODSA giant duck!”

To buy a giant duck, a ticket for a yellow duck or to sponsor a race, contact the Nightingale House Fundraising Office on 01978 314292.