Man makes 'quackers' name-change after losing bet

Daniel Caldwell (left) and Curtis Lunt have been raising money for a children's hospice

A rubber duck racer has legally changed his name to something "quackers" after losing a fundraising bet with friends.

Daniel Caldwell was dared by his friend and fellow charity race organiser Curtis Lunt, in a bid to raise as much money as possible for Derian House Children's Hospice.

And, in order to spur them on, if the racers hit their £3,000 target Mr Caldwell pledged to legally change his name to Daniel "Rubber Duck" Caldwell by Deed Poll.

The 31-year-old, from Brinscall in Lancashire, said it had been costly to change the details on his driving licence and passport "but it's worth it".

"The paperwork's all gone off, so I hope they don't say it can't be done, because if that's the case, we'll have to think of another name for me - and I know Curtis has got a few names that he does call me," Mr Caldwell told BBC Radio Lancashire.

Their duck race at a stream between two bridges in the village is becoming an annual event each July.

This year they had 890 ducks taking part. The ducks are stamped with a number, dropped into Brinscall Goit, and the winner gets £250.

The pair came up with the idea for a duck race after holding one with their daughters and realising it would be a great idea to raise money.

"We pulled together a team of friends, who we are calling Duck HQ, and got to work," Mr Caldwell said.

Last year was the first year they did it, with Mr Caldwell betting Mr Lunt that if they raised more than £2,000 he would have to get a rubber duck tattoo – and so he did.

"I couldn't let the duck tattoo go by without some revenge," Mr Lunt said.

And the pair are already dreaming up ideas for next year's race.

Mr Caldwell said: "You never know what can happen. I've already got a few things up my sleeve."