THOUSANDS of pounds raised during one of Durham's most popular events was handed to charity.

Spectators lined the banks of the River Wear last month, to watch three JCB diggers tip 20,000 plastic ducks off Elvet Bridge, for the Grand Durham Duck Race.

Although only in its second year, the race has become very popular.

The event, organised by Durham City Forum, Northumbrian Water and the Durham University Charities Kommittee, raised more than £9,000.

Yesterday, Richard Toynbee of Durham City Forum, handed the money to the Mayor's appeal, St Cuthbert's Hospice, Durham's Christmas lights and WaterAid.