THRILLS, spills and splashes were back again as a popular village fun run returned for another year.

The Finchingfield Three-Legged Race was back with a bang on Sunday.

Like previous years, plenty of teams took part in the event.

And they were treated to some scorching weather, as part of the week-long heatwave which hit Essex.

Racers enjoyed a much-needed cool down from the sun as they completed a circuit around the village whilst tied to one another.

Halstead Gazette: HAPPY FACES: Winners 118 118 with guest of honour Eileen Thoroughgood who has lived in the village all her lifeHAPPY FACES: Winners 118 118 with guest of honour Eileen Thoroughgood who has lived in the village all her life (Image: Natasha Rose)

Those who took part enjoyed a visit to all three village pubs, as well as wading through the pond twice on the route.

There were also two children’s races on the day, as well as stalls and other activities.

This year's winners were the 118 118 team.

A long-standing tradition in the village, the race was brought back in 1998 after a break and now runs every year.

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 track for the village.

Halstead Gazette: PLANT POTS: Bill and Ben make their way through the villagePLANT POTS: Bill and Ben make their way through the village (Image: Jane Welsh)

Speaking before the event, spokesman Lee Rider said it was “wonderful to be back after what’s been a difficult year for the village”.

He was delighted with how the day turned out.

Mr Rider said: “You spend the run-up to the event constantly checking the forecast for bad weather and then it turns out to be a heatwave.

“The weather was glorious, and people were sensible.

"It was the smoothest one yet with several much-needed new volunteers joining the old guard.”

Halstead Gazette: WET AND WILD: Racers were treated to amazing weather this yearWET AND WILD: Racers were treated to amazing weather this year (Image: Donna Lodge)

Mr Rider said the feedback received has been “phenomenal”, and the village needed an event to bring it back together after being split over the asylum centre.

He continued: “We are still counting the total raised but it is several thousand pounds more towards building our BMX pump track.

“Thank you to all the teams, all the volunteers, all the local businesses, the runners and the crowd.

“We are going to sleep for six months now.”