Ready, get wet...go! The Mayor's Charity Duck Race returns for 2019

What's happening?

The Mayor's Charity Duck Race is a much-loved annual fundraiser held as part of the Borough's armed forces celebrations.

It will see sponsored plastic ducks launched into the River Tees with the first ducks to cross the finish line winning a range of great prizes for their sponsors.

This year's race will take place on Friday 5 July from 10am at Tees Barrage International White Water Centre.

Colour Sergeant Chris Coxon from the 8 RIFLES regiment will also be giving a special bugle performance to mark the occasion.

How can I sponsor a duck and what prizes can be won?

Members of the public can sponsor a duck at a cost of just £1! There's a range of ten lovely prizes on offer including four tickets to catch the legendary Martha Reeves & The Vandellas at ARC in Stockton this summer and more.

Individuals, organisations and businesses are also invited to enter the separate corporate race at a price of £100 per duck - with prizes on offer for the fastest finishing ducks. The special prizes include a framed Infinity Bridge print and rounds of golf at Eaglescliffe and Teesside golf clubs as well as an exhilarating white water rafting experience for up to six people.

To sponsor a duck, contact the Mayor's Office on 01642 528161 or email mayors.office@stockton.gov.uk

Can schools, groups and members of the public come and watch the race?

Absolutely! The Mayor is keen to welcome spectators of all ages.

A word from the Mayor...

Councillor Lynn Hall, the Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, said: "I'm very proud to be hosting this year's Charity Duck Race and to be raising money for three fantastic charities.

"The funds we raise will go to benefit armed forces personnel who really deserve our support and I'm sure we will have a lot of fun watching the race itself.

"We've had lots of kind people support the races this year so far but I would urge everyone to consider sponsoring a duck, either as an individual or from a business - every sponsorship will make a real difference.

"There's also been a fantastic response for corporate sponsors who have all been very generous and I was pleased to see on social media that staff from the Hampton by Hilton Hotel in Stockton have customised their very own entrant, Deirdre Duck!

"Everyone is welcome to both sponsor a duck and watch the race on the day itself at the Tees Barrage, let's really show our support for our armed forces, both serving and retired, for the hard work and sacrifice they give on our behalf.

"Good luck to every duck taking part and I'll look forward to welcoming everyone on the day!"

Which charities benefit?

All of the money raised goes to the following charities, which help armed forces personnel from the three regiments that have Freedom of the Borough status:

• The Rifles Care for Casualties
• The Yorkshire Regiment Benevolent Fund
• One Close Support Regiment REME