A POPULAR annual event will continue after moving to an online format.

The Ponteland Duck Race, a tradition and event attended by hundreds in the town, will take place in a virtual format next month.

Owing to Covid-19 Rotary Ponteland will run the races free to enter with members of the public encouraged to take part.

President John Muir said: “We know how popular the Duck Race event is, so, we are working on plans to stage some virtual Duck Races and to invite children to enter their design and build a boat and “Spot the Duck” competitions.

"Anyone who wants to enter simply makes a request via our dedicated e-mail address (duckrace@outlook.com)," John added.

Asked about seeing the ducks racing, John said: “We are working on producing some footage so that children can go online and see the ducks racing. We will publish more details on this as soon as it is available.

"All that we are asking mums and dads to consider making a donation to our nominated charity.”

Rotary Ponteland is fund-raising for the Dragonfly Cancer Trust and donations can be made via the Facebook page at Rotary Ponteland.

John added: "We are also planning Rotary Donation Points at Broadway shops and elsewhere in the village in September.

The Ponteland Duck Race takes place on Saturday, October 3.