The bathroom figures will be flying down the spectacular Grand Cascade to raise a quacking amount of money for Grace House North East Children's Hospice Appeal.

The Great North Duck Dash will feature a series of races, followed by a grand final – and only one duck can be crowned Cascade king.

The quacky races follow in the footsteps of last year's splash-tacular debut event, in which 8,216 ducks locked beaks and more than £23,000 was raised for the cause.

Fittingly, the Duckess of Northumberland floated to victory in one of the races, while Duck Surprise was the overall winner.

This year's event, sponsored by Sanofi Aventis, based in Alnwick, takes place on Sunday, August 23.

Each plastic duck will have a name, and just some of the ducks to feature include Martin Luther Wing and David Peckham.

The duck tickets cost £2, which also entitles each person free entry to The Garden from 3pm on the day of the event to enable you to cheer on your plastic friend. Tickets will also be available from Hardy & Greys and Sainsbury's, both in Alnwick.

Other businesses from the region have also been invited to sell their own race of 500 ducks.

Organiser Karen Larkin, Northumberland fund-raiser, urged as many people as possible to take the event under their wing, and get involved.

"This is an amazing opportunity for businesses to help a local charity, have fun in the process and be part of an event at a world-class venue," said Mrs Larkin.

"You'd be quackers to miss out!"

The Grace House appeal was set up by broadcaster Kathy Secker to build and equip a home from home for youngsters with life-limiting illnesses.

The hospice, when built, will have a catchment area from Berwick to Teesside, providing care for children and support for their families. The Duchess is patron of the charity.

If you would like to have a quack at selling a race of 500 ducks, ring Karen on 07846542929 or email kl@gracehouse.co.uk