Hundreds in charity mud-flat race

Competitors struggle across the mud flats at Maldon in the annual race

Scores of people in Essex have tried to cover themselves in glory at one of the world's dirtiest sporting events.

More than 200 runners spent Sunday afternoon in the annual Mud Race at Maldon.

Racers have to cross the mouth of the River Blackwater at low tide, swimming in dirty clinging mud and sea water, over a distance of about 500 yards.

Organisers said people turn out every year despite the weather to raise tens of thousands of pounds for charity.