ENGLAND and Durham cricket star Paul Collingwood brought new meaning to the term "out for a duck" when he launched a charity fundraising campaign.

The 28-year-old all rounder hid under an umbrella as toy ducks rained down on the pitch at Durham County Cricket Club's Riverside ground in Chester-le-Street. He was launching a charity duck race in Durham City next month, that will see thousands of rubber waterfowl take to the River Wear.

Mr Collingwood, from Shotley Bridge, near Consett, said: "I don't normally like to be associated with ducks, but for these good causes I have made an exception."

The race, claimed to be the biggest of its kind in Britain, will see up to 20,000 ducks launched from Elvet Bridge at 1pm on Sunday, November 7. First prize is £1,000.

Last year, 10,000 people paid £1 each to sponsor a duck.

Money raised from the race, which is sponsored by Northumbrian Water, will go to WaterAid, the Mayor's Appeal for the St Cuthbert's Hospice and the Durham City Christmas Lights Appeal.

WaterAid, the adopted international charity of Northumbrian Water, raises funds to bring clean water, safe sanitation and hygiene education to people in Africa and Asia, where just £10 will provide clean drinking water for a person for their entire life.

The first duck over the Kingsgate Bridge finishing line wins its sponsor £1,000, second over the line wins £300 and third gets £200. There are a host of smaller runners up prizes.

Corporate ducks are also available for companies to sponsor, for £25 each, with a trophy and case of champagne to be won.

The race is run by Durham University Charities Kommittee (Duck) and promoted by Durham Marketing Initiative.

Tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre, in Millennium Place, Durham, and the city's Clayport Library, or can be obtained by contacting 0191-383 2932.