AN EGREMONT charity which helps schools in The Gambia has found a quacking way to raise funds.

The couple behind Siiboo, Colin and Sharon Fox, have organised a duck race with all proceeds going towards shipping a container of supplies to the African country.

The charity was set up to fulfill the couple’s dream of taking the 20 sq ft container of essentials back to the country when they return in March with their two sons Jake, 14 and Alex, 17.

The race will see ducks placed in the river, with the first duck carried over the finish line by the current declared the winner.

“These people in The Gambia are some of the kindest we’ve ever met and were more than happy to share what they had with you,” Colin said. “We want to do something that will help them in the long term and not just a short fix and we think this is a great way to start.”

The charity is working on three separate appeals: The Backpack Appeal which will see Gambian children receive a bag containing school supplies, a toy and a toothbrush; The Big Fish Appeal which will provide families with fishing equipment to not only feed themselves but to make a living by selling what they catch; and finally a Schools Helping Schools Appeal to get local schools to donate textbooks, and unwanted equipment to schools across The Gambia.

Colin and Sharon, who live on Nelson Street say “every little helps” and hope the people of Copeland will get involved with the event to support the three appeals.

The race will take place on September 6 at 2pm starting from the black bridge, by the skatepark, in Egremont and end just below the allotments opposite Egremont Rugby Union Club.

Ducks can be bought prior to the event at almost every shop on Egremont’s Main Street.

Prizes for the first six ducks to cross the finish line include a meal for two at the The Kellbank, Gosforth, a family ticket for a pantomime at the Sands Centre, Carlisle and a £25 voucher for Dr Lea’s Body Mods in Whitehaven.