FILM legend Sir Ian McKellen joined volunteers and a 6ft duck winging it on a charity fundraising outing to London’s Canary Wharf. Passengers emerging from the Underground station went quackers’ when they spotted the duck with Sir Ian

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FILM legend Sir Ian McKellen joined volunteers and a seven-foot duck winging it on a charity fundraising outing to London's Canary Wharf.

Passengers emerging from the Underground station went 'quackers' when they spotted the duck with Sir Ian.

The trip event was aimed at raising the profile of Step Forward, a small, independent charity which helps children and teenagers affected by poverty in the East End with confidential counselling and advice at its Bethnal Green centre.

The volunteers collected around �1,750 in donations and met people interested in supporting the charity in future.

Charity director Jennifer Fear said: "Having Sir Ian at Canary Wharf helped motivate our volunteers. Of course, the 7ft duck also helped gain attention!"

Sir Ian, who has lived for over 30 years in Limehouse, just a short duck paddle along the waterfront from Canary Wharf, has been the charity's patron and supporter since he visited its premises in Bethnal Green Road three years ago.

The duck? That was to mark the charity's involvement in this year's Great British Duck race.

www.stepforward-web.orgStep Forward has signed up to be one of the 50 charities involved in the 3rd annual race on Sunday (September 6) to launch a record-breaking 175,000 plastic ducks in a race along the Thames while raising awareness and money for charity.

Anyone can adopt a duck to take part in the race. The first duck over the winning line wins �10,000.