FRENZIED fruit picking fun returned to jam maker Wilkin and Sons.

The Tiptree-based firm hosted its annual strawberry race yesterday with competitors battling it out to pick the most tiny Little Scarlet varieties in an hour.

Pickers included teams of farm workers and visitors who to took to the theme of High Flyers with enthusiasm.

Many arrived in hats and costumes to reflect the Royal Air Force and high-flying machines.

The celebrity guest was a replica of the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car from the hit musical, brought to the field by Lodge Coaches.

Funds raised will be given to services personnel charity, the RAF Association and its RAF 100 appeal as well as Aspire, which supports people with spinal injuries.

Walter Scott, chairman of Wilkin and Sons, said: “This really is a quirky event with so many people raising money for two important charities.”

The fastest individual picker was Slavocho Pavlov, who collected 4.28kg, and best picking team was Thursday Cottage with 14kg.

Pat Bembridge won the best hat prize in her headgear called “Another safe return”.

All the fruit picked was chilled to be made into Little Scarlet Strawberry Conserve.