Almost 900 fundraisers, including teams from Amersham and Chesham, raised over £140,000 for charity by crawling, splashing and climbing their way through a muddy, 10-mile obstacle course on Sunday.

The second Mud Pack Challenge event, in the grounds of Ashridge House, Hertfordshire, was raising money for The Hospice of St Francis, Berkhamsted.

The hospice provides free care for people living with life-limiting illnesses across Bucks and Herts as well as support for their families and carers.

'The Dirty Dozen', a team made up of staff and their children from Hyde Heath Infant School, Amersham, and the 21-strong 'Our Chesham' team were two of many teams from across Bucks taking part.

Alison Whittall, 47, head teacher of Hyde Heath Infant School, said: “We all had such good fun! It was so well organised and pitched just at the right level for it to be manageable.

“It was great for staff bonding – seeing their head teacher crawling through mud caused great amusement! We’ve all come back to school and told everyone how much fun it was so we’re hoping to get an absolutely full staff turn-out next year.”

Our Chesham team member Nigel Brand, from The Chase, Chesham, said: “Last year’s Mud Pack was amazing but this year’s was muddier, higher and more fun.

“The support around the course was amazing. At one point, I said, ‘Crikey I could do with a Mars bar’ and a marshal pulled one out of his bag and gave me one!”

Hospice Events Manager, Fran Martin, said: "A huge thank you to all our marshals, volunteers and of course, our amazing Mud Packers, who showed fantastic determination and a great spirit of camaraderie, team work and fun.

“We’re set to raise more than £140,000, which will help the Hospice provide vital services for patients and families facing life-limiting illness both in the Hospice, at home and in the community.”