It was Quackers – but they did it.

Ponteland Rotary Club successfully kept with annual tradition and hosted its duck race, this time in a virtual format.

The event staged five virtual duck races as well as its virtual business boat race, and although the banks of the River Pont were free of crowds cheering the duck’s on this year, participants instead took to Youtube to view the proceedings.

Race organiser, John Cooper, said, “We wanted to engage with the local community as much as possible.”

Eight-year-old Ross Wilkinson, a cub with 1st Ponteland Scouts, won the build a boat competition, while Lucy Shield (9) was the winner of the spot the duck.

Commenting on the success of the event rotary club president, John Muir, said £1,200 was raised for the Dragonfly Cancer Trust charity. He said: “We are grateful to the local businesses and Ponteland."