MALDON is gearing up for the biggest event of the year.

The world famous Maldon Mud Race will take place on Sunday and is expected to draw thousands of people from across the country and abroad.

TV star Robson Green also did his bit taking part in his own mud race ahead of the main event last week.

He was in town filming new series Tales from the Coast.

The world’s media will also be descending to cover the extraordinary event, which will feature 300 fundraising entrants battling their way through thick mud from the shoreside, across the estuary and back.

The race, which has seen comedians Jo Brand and Sean Lock take part as well as former TOWIE star Debbie Douglas, gets underway at 2pm.

It will be preceded by the duck race at 1.30pm.

The day involves nearly 12 months of pre-planning with around 25,000 spectators expected.

This year teachers from Maldon’s Plume school will be taking to the mud.

The ‘dream’ team of six is Mr Ainscough, Mrs Bidgood, Miss Bloomfield, Mrs Clark, Mr Meadows, and Mr Stoneman.

A day of family entertainment is also planned with a birds of prey display.

This year seven charities will benefit from the money raised.

They are Maldon Citizens Advice Bureau, the Rob George Foundation, Brainwave, the David Randall Foundation, Little Havens Hospice, The Cinnamon Trust and PARC.

Chairman of The Maldon Mud Race, Brian Farrington, said: “As the event grows, we are expanding our offering to include our Duck Race, Fancy Dress Competition for competitors plus a wide range of stalls with snacks and promotional gifts.”

To find out more visit maldonmudrace.com.