THE power of love, plus his fiancee’s cakes, propelled soon-to-be-married Ben Payne to victory in the Maldon Mud Race.

The property developer beat 230 entrants at the event, which has raised £500,000 for charities over the past 15 years.

Thousands of spectators packed Promenade Park, with the warm sun adding to the joy of the day.

After an energetic but strength-sapping race, Ben explained the secret of his success.

He said: “It’s my stag do. I’m getting married in two months. The answer to winning is lots of cakes.”

Ben, 40, will soon be marrying Emma Wallis, 40, who runs Lottie and Jake’s Cakes in Maldon.

Most contestants wore fancy dress and a competition was held for the best, chosen by EastEnders actress Carlie Norris of Colchester, who played Belinda.

Her partner, radio presenter Dom Atkins, also compered the day’s proceedings, with singing from Carly Hipson.

Luke Pipe, who organised the registration, said the event raised about £60,000, but the growing trend of mud races elsewhere meant the number of competitors was down a little on last year.

However, some had come from as far away as Germany and the USA to take part.

Maldon deputy mayor Richard Miller, who took part in his first race, said the Mud Run was “part of the eccentricity of Maldon”.