When people think of golf they tend to think of luxuriously manicured greens and neat woollen cardigans.

But residents in Mersea have discovered a new angle on the age-old game...they play on mud.

More than 30 members of East Mersea's Social and Sailing Club joined up for a round of the newly invented "mud golf".

They whacked balls along a mile-long stretch of mud flat, aiming to get the balls between two posts at the far end.

In total about 200 balls were lost.

Owner of the social and sailing club Ron Van Straalen said: "The idea was spawned during a committee meeting when we wanted to come up with something really original.

"The people of Mersea used to use the mud to make a living, and we thought we could find another use for it.

"It was a really brilliant day and I hope now it will become an annual event."

When they eventually found their balls, the players were allowed to take it out and hit again from firmer ground.

The worst score recorded was 94 swings, with the winner, Lurch Blackmoor needing just seven shots to complete the course.

The ladies' winner struck home in just 16 goes.

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