A ‘VIRTUAL’ duck race is to be held on New Year’s Day by Skipton Rotary Club to help raise money for children’s charities - and with a top prize of £100.

In a bid to continue fundraising despite the coronavirus pandemic, the club decided to hold an online event, with all money raised going to Mary’s Meals, Schools in a Bag, and KASIN, a charity dedicated to helping schoolchildren in Nepal.

“To enter the race members of the public need to go on line to the Skipton Rotary website. Ducks cost £1 each and you can buy as many as you like,”said Peter Warburton, chairman of the organising committee.

“Each duck has its own individual number and will be entered in the race to be held on New Year’s Eve. The first past the post receives £100, second receives £50 and a third place secures £25.”

Andrew Gold, club president, said: “Christmas is the time to think of those much less fortunate than ourselves and the charities Rotary has chosen to support work with some of the most under-privileged children around the world.”

Rotary suggests ducks could be bought as Christmas gifts for friends and family and has included a gift certificate to download online.

To find out more, including how to enter the race, visit: www.skiptonrotary.org