THE fastest pickers in the east descended on the fields of Tiptree for the annual race.

This year’s Tiptree Strawberry Race marked Independence Day with a red, white and blue theme.

Strawberry pickers donned the colours while picking up as many Little Scarlet strawberries as they could in a reminder the tiny fruit originated in the USA and was brought to the UK in the late 19th century by Wilkin & Sons.

The race, normally held in June, was postponed until Thursday after the Little Scarlets took time to ripen.

But the pickers ended up having a bumper crop of berries to pick up as quickly as possible.

TV actor Graham Cole, best known for playing PC Tony Stamp in The Bill for 25 years, was guest star for the morning.

He was joined by Lotte Moeller, an Swedish author researching tiny strawberries for her next publication.

As well as the fastest picker, there were prizes for best hat, best fancy dress, most flamboyant picker and best team.

See Friday's Gazette for more pics