Staff at Ossett’s Trinity Church are holding a huge sponsored duck race to support their campaign to pay for the £200,000 church heating system.

The event is part of the latest round of fundraising for the church’s Make It Hot campaign, which has so far raised more than £20,000.

Yellow plastic ducks can be sponsored for £2.50 each in the race down the Calder and Hebble Canal from the Bingley Arms, Horbury Bridge, on Saturday, September 20.

Businesses can also take part in the event by sponsoring a co-operate duck for £25.

Julie Shaw, church development co-ordinator, said: “It should be a massive event and quite a spectacle, so we want to encourage as many people as we can to take part. The race is expected to take around 30 minutes.”

She thanked members of the Pendragon Round Table in Huddersfield, who lent the ducks for free.

The event, which will also feature live music and food at the Bridge Road pub, will begin at 1pm, with the race starting at 2pm.

First prize in the race is £200, second prize £25 and third prize £10. Tickets can be bought from the Trinity Church office, on Church Street, or by contacting Mrs Shaw on 01924 273671 or 07878 723970.

A vintage car rally and open day is also being held at the church on Saturday, September 13 to support the campaign.

The event will be followed by an evening dance at Ossett School, on Storrs Hill Road, where the Silver Leaf Jazz Band will perform. Tickets are £8 for adults and £5 for children. Admission is free for under-fives.