Clacton Carnival's pantomime horse race set off in comedy style to bring a ray of sunshine to a rainy day.
A few dozen hardy souls braved showers and high winds on the greensward opposite Fourth Avenue to watch or take part in the calamitous race meeting.
The children's competition attracted eight pairs and four heats and a final was staged.
In a show of sibling unity the children's trophy was won by Victoria Battram and brother Charlie from Bishops Stortford.
They were staying in Clacton with their grandparents and managed to complete the course in a speedy 26 seconds.
The adults competition had four pairs of competitors the final being won by Kevin and Michelle Williams from Frinton with a time of 25 seconds.
Race co-ordinator Jane Coe said: "Spectators were fairly sparse but considering the weather we were pleased that enough people turned up."
They're behind you - the panto horse race
Picture: TERRY WEEDEN
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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