It was mud, mud, glorious mud on Sunday as competitors threw themselves into Maldon's 16th annual mud race.

The popular event attracted about 130 contestants who waded and splashed their way along a 400-yard muddy section of the River Blackwater, cheered on by thousands of spectators.

Kevin Burton, of Maldon, dashed his way to a messy victory in just five minutes, while Debbie Cattermole, of West Mersea, was the fastest female contestant.

A fancy dress prize was awarded to Gary Buckley, of Basildon.

Sponsorship money and a collection of more than £1,000 will be shared between the King George Fund for sailors, Maldon division of St John Ambulance, St Clare's Hospice, Heybridge, and the Essex Air Ambulance Appeal.

The organising committee's events secretary, Michael Ballard, said: "It went extremely well and I look forward to organising next year's event."

Both pics: Determined competitors get stuck in.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.