A CHARITY duck race will be held in the River Wharfe at Otley next month.

The event, believed to be a first for the town, has been organised by luxury independent living provider, Adlington.

The company's under-construction £11 million complex in Otley, Adlington House, overlooks the river and is due to be completed by November.

It has organised the duck race, which will take place at 11am on June 25, as a way of signalling its commitment to the community.

A giant rubber duck will lead 1,000 yellow 'birds', with race proceeds going to Otley Action for Older People and Otley Carnival's beneficiaries – Yorkshire Cancer Research, Wheatfields Hospice and Behind Closed Doors.

Adlington's marketing manager, Claire Reede, said: "Otley is a really vibrant and close community.

"We are investing a great deal in the town with our new riverside development, so we want to get to know and unite with our new neighbours by sponsoring Otley’s very first grand charity duck race.

"All proceeds will be given to fantastic local causes.

"Please come along to one of the town’s upcoming shows to get a duck entry ticket and support these worthy charities. We are expecting a huge turnout on June 25 so make sure you get your duck ticket in time!"

Duck tickets, which cost £1, went on sale at last weekend's Otley Show and will be available at Otley Carnival on June 18.

They can also be bought from Adlington’s marketing suite in Bridge Street, which is open between 10am and 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

The owner of the first duck to cross the finish line will receive £100 worth of Amazon vouchers, with £50 and £25 vouchers going to those taking second and third place.

Being built on the former All Saints Middle School site, off Bridge Street, Adlington House will have 48 apartments, ranging from one to three bedrooms in size.

The complex will also offer 24-hour on-site care and support to residents who want it.