A COMMUNITY has found an ingenious way round the clash between its duck race and the football World Cup Final on Sunday lunchtime.

One thousand plastic ducks will take to the water at Laverton village to raise funds for a new sports pavilion at neighbouring Kirkby Malzeard, near Ripon.

Tony Sinfield, vice-chairman of Highside Playing Fields Association, said: "When we realised our duck race clashed with the football, we decided to set up a television set so people can support the duck race and watch the soccer action as well."

The set will be plugged in at a cottage, allowing the coverage of the match to be screened outside.

"We wanted to ensure that soccer fans did not miss any of the final and yet could still support our fundraising event," said Mr Sinfield.

Organisers will launch the £1-a-time ducks into the River Laver near the village bridge at 1pm.

First prize is £50 and other prizes will include one for the duck which comes in last.

Highside Playing Fields Association is trying to raise £100,000 for the new pavilion, to replace an existing structure.

Other fundraising events are being held near Laverton bridge on Sunday.