No strawberry was left unpicked at a special race to raise money for charity.
Pickers and guest teams competed to find the fastest picker at the annual Tiptree Strawberry Race from jam-makers Wilkin & Sons, with awards also given to the best dressed which this year included Rupert bear and Goldilocks.
Marcel Ciurusniuc won the competition by collecting 5.11kg in an hour, while Thursday Cottage proved the fastest team collecting 10.28kg.
Joint first prizes for best dressed went to Pat and Steve Bembridge and Alan and Joyce Thomas, while Mavis McKevitt won the best hat competition.
Actress Vicki Michelle, best known for her role as Yvette Allo Allo, presented the prizes at this year’s race at Bounds Farm, Goldhanger.
Chris Newenham, farm director of Wilkin & Sons said: “We are delighted Vicki Michelle was able to join us and thank you all for taking part in this well-established race.”
The event was raising funds for the Lord’s Taverners, a cricket-based charity.
After the race when the teams returned to the firm’s Tiptree base, former Essex and England fast bowler Darren Gough presided over a donation of a minibus and two sports wheelchairs to the Doucecroft School, in Eight Ash Green.
Money for the equipment has been raised by Wilkin & Sons HR manager Stephen Cook along with fellow staff through their association with the charity.
Mr Gough said: “The kids will love the bus and it will give them an opportunity to take part in a wider range of different sports. Thank you Tiptree for your continued support.”
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