CHILDREN have been tasked with designing and naming a duck for an upcoming race.

DataSpace, a document and data management company based in Wincham, are appealing to youngsters to help design their entry for the Countess of Chester, Babygrow Appeal Duck Race in September.

The company have supported the Babygrow Appeal fund, in addition to other charity and community groups over the past 20 years.

The Babygrow Appeal was launched to raise money to build a new Neonatal Unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

The appeal is now nearly at an end with several events including the Duck Race, a Golf Day and a Sportsman’s Lunch planned to boost the charity fund to reach the £2.4 million target.

A spokesman for DataSpace said: “DataSpace are experts within the records management industry, and provide solutions for archive storage, electronic data hosting and digitisation of confidential files.

“Unfortunately, designing ducks for duck races is not part of the many professional services the company offer.

“DataSpace are asking all children under the age of eleven in the local area to assist with the design and name of the DataSpace Duck.

“If your ducklings are quackers about drawing and would like to take part in the competition please go to the DataSpace website where an entry form can be found data-space.co.uk/duckrace.”

Entries must be submitted by 5pm on Monday, August 7. The winning design will be created for DataSpace’s entry into the race.

The winner will be awarded a 74 piece Crayola Colouring Set and four tickets to see their duck on the race day in Chester.

Nikki Cooke, sales and marketing manager for DataSpace, said: “DataSpace have supported many charities over the years and are excited about participating in the Chester Duck Race.

“It will be a fun and exciting family day out for all and will raise so much awareness, support and money for the Countess of Chester NHS Foundation Trust, Babygrow Appeal.”

The Duck Race will be taking place on Saturday, September 16 at The Groves, River Dee in Chester, tickets are available on Eventbrite.co.uk