THERE was a hive of activity on Finchingfield green on Bank Holiday Monday as 11 pairs of runners took part in the village’s grand three-legged race.

Centred around the pond, the race was watched by locals and visitors who took up every vantage point to watch the pairs race around the village, forge through the the pond and down four pints.

Teams from the universities of Bath and Reading travelled to take part and many were in fancy dress. Finchingfield Cricket Club’s (FCC) pair of Kirk Maddern and Iain Ruggles-Brise retained their title, shaving 10 seconds of last year’s time.

FCC chairman, Damon Knight, said: “I would like to thank the village’s three pubs, the Fox Inn, Red Lion and Three Tuns, for generously providing the beer and those who helped to marshal and set up.”

Mark Hoddle, of FCC sponsor Pestell, said: “We were delighted to extend our sponsorship to this event. Nearly �800 in total has been raised for local charities and good causes, with �550 for the Essex Air Ambulance.”

For details about FCC visit finchingfieldcc.co.uk or contact the club secretary on 07791653484.