A pub in Bangor-on-Dee will help a hospice make a big splash with a brand-new fundraising event – and some very large rubber ducks.

Nightingale House in Wrexham has 50 giant ducks up for grabs in six different colours as part of its first duck race and family fun day at the Royal Oak, Bangor-on-Dee on Sunday, September 3.

Debbie Barton, hospice fundraiser, is looking forward to this new event and says everyone is excited.

“It will be a real family occasion with refreshments, stalls and family fun activities at the Royal Oak as well as the races themselves,” she said. “Our giant ducks are proving a hit already, with businesses and organisations decorating them as mascots or their favourite celebrity, or in company branding – or however else they choose.

“It’s going to be great fun and we hope it will help to raise lots of money for hospice funds.”

Victoria Lloyd, area manager at the Royal Oak, added: “The team here at are really looking forward to the duck race in September.

“We have already had great fun designing our own royal-themed giant duck and working alongside the hospice team to plan a fun-filled day for everyone in aid of such a good cause.”

The event will be helped along by members of the Bangor-on-Dee Salmon Angling Association (BODSA) who will be in the water in their waders collecting the ducks from the finishing line under the Bangor-on-Dee bridge.

Keith Evans, chairman of BODSA, said: “Our members are delighted to support Nightingale House in organising its first duck race.

“We will also be cheering on our BODSA giant duck and look forward to decorating it as a salmon angler.”

Giant ducks are on sale from Nightingale House for £200 and raffle tickets to enter a duck – which come in a range of colours – into the regular races are available for £2 throughout the summer at locations including Nightingale House, The Royal Oak and The Buck in Bangor on Dee and The Alyn, Rossett.

Ducklings will be available to buy on the day for £1.

To buy a giant duck, a raffle ticket for a yellow duck – or to sponsor a race for £30 – contact the Nightingale House fundraising office on 01978 314292.