PUPILS at South Craven School held a duck race as part of a fundraising challenge set by their head teacher.

The students were given £10 by Dr Andrew Cummings and asked to convert this into as much money as possible in four weeks.

One of the school's tutor groups decided to race 100 plastic ducks on a grassy slope in school rather than on a river.

A South Craven spokesman said: "The event captured the imagination of students, parents and staff, as each duck was sold three times over at £1 a time.

"A 'river' of polythene was spread out along a 25-metre course by the Airedale gym, and the ducks were assisted by a little water and washing up liquid to create optimum racing conditions.

"The going was definitely good to soft! The ducks were released to hurtle down the track, and form tutor and head of Spanish Mike Crolla acted as race commentator.

"Janet Garforth and Paula Andrews from the sixth form office were official judges at the finish line, and called a photo finish for first place spot.

"Duck number 57 was declared winner of the main event. Year 13 students Emma Fountain and Brogan Squires and Doris Darling, grandmother of year 13 student Naomi Darling were the winning owners. They who received a prize of official duck race trophies and confectionery."

Two further races were run, with the winning owners including year 12 pupils Josh Clarkson, Bradley Hargreaves, and Carly Upton and staff member Karen Higson.

The pupils raised more than £350. The money is to be split between The British Heart Foundation and the charity Mind.