Motorsport with a difference came to Essex at the weekend as the latest round of the British Lawnmower Racing Championships was held in Blake End.

The competitors reached speeds of up to 50mph in their adapted machines which must be capable in principle of cutting grass – though they do not mow as they race as blades are removed for safety.

A family fun weekend was held to coincide with the racing, raising funds for the Essex Air Ambulance.

Clare Nixon, spokesman for Blake House Craft Centre, said: “It was absolutely brilliant.

“It is amazing how they look after these machines, and there were a fair few crashes as well.

“There were a lot of families there, and everybody stayed to see the end of the racing. I think we will have a lot of people back next year, and Sunday was the biggest turn-out we have had in the seven years of hosting racing.

“We’ve not added up the total raised yet but we have generated a fair amount for the air ambulance.”