A VILLAGE duck race organised by a small village school of less than 50 pupils has managed to raise more £1,000 for new books.

Youngsters and their parents headed to the beck in the village of Melsonby, near Richmond on Sunday, May 17, to take part in their annual duck race. Those taking part paid £1 to sponsor the colourful toy ducks in races for adults and children.

Another race was held for boats created by pupils. They used materials from yoghurt pots to beer cans in their attempt to create the fastest boat.

The event was organised by the Friends of Melsonby School to replace some of the primary school’s reading books.

Secretary of the friends group, Victoria Denning, said: “We have been bowled over by the amount raised. There are 49 children in the school and we managed to raise over £1,000 from the afternoon.

“The school is gradually trying to replacing the reading books; the children are really quite inspired by the reading materials they’re getting and we’re really pleased with what we’ve achieved.”

A number of local businesses also supported the events by donating prizes for the duck race, including Adventure Toys Northallerton and Rockcliffe Hall hotel.