THRILLS and spills are on the agenda once more as a popular village tradition makes its return.

The Finchingfield Three-Legged Race is back this weekend.

A long-standing tradition in the village, the race was brought back in 1998 after a break.

It is the largest social event of the year, with many teams taking part in the event.

The day sees teams calling in at all three village pubs and racing through the pond twice.

The event features visits to the Fox, Finchingfield Lion and Three Tuns.

Last year’s event was a big success, with 15 adult teams taking part, 19 in the under-eights race and 13 in the over-eights.

Event spokesman Lee Rider said: “It’s wonderful to be back after what’s been a difficult year for the village.

“The asylum centre issue has caused real division in our community, and we are looking forward to the community coming together again to celebrate what an incredible, unique place Finchingfield is.

“Locals are ready for a day of just having fun and catching up with old friends.

“The weather is looking good and it’s looking like a record level of entrants, so it’s going to be very busy, which we love.”

This year’s event will see one adult race and two children’s races, as well as the popular duck races.

There will be stalls, food and drink and music on the day, alongside raffles.

Money raised helps FINCHE, a youth activities charity which provides free sports coaching and equipment to parish youngsters, with the group working towards building a BMX pump track for the village.

The Finchingfield Three Legged Race begins at 1pm on Sunday.