Aching backs and muddy knees were the result of a charity strawberry-picking race in aid of Essex Air Ambulance.
However, despite the aches and pains, participant John Archer, chairman of Maldon District Council, said it was well worth it.
The event was organised by Tiptree jam makers Wilkin and Sons and was held at Bounds Farm in Goldhanger where the firm grows the majority of its strawberries.
Some 40 entrants were given a row of strawberries and then had to pick as many of the sweet fruits within a certain time period. The buckets were then weighed and the heaviest amount won.
Mr Archer said: "I didn't do too well to be honest with you, the strawberries were only quarter-of-an-inch in size and I didn't get very many as they were quite hard to pick!"
Some famous faces also got in on the act, including Anglia television presenter Helen McDermott and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's friend Jimmy Doherty, who is currently attempting to run a pig farm with blow-by-blow accounts being screened in a BBC documentary.
Published Friday June 18, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article