A GROUP of determined racers from Maldon’s Young Farmers group will be tackling the Maldon Mud Race dressed as cows.

Maldon Young Farmers host and carry out many charity events and fundraisers throughout the year, including a fireworks evening, selling Christmas trees and clay pigeon shooting.

However, this weekend they will turn their hand to racing through the mud and waters of the River Blackwater for Maldon’s biggest event of the year.

A group of six young farmers will be representing the Maldon team on Sunday; Shannon Rowsell, Kayleigh Rowsell, Katie Goff, Lacey Henderson, Jack Page and Will Nicoll.

The team will be donning their finest cow outfits to dive into the freezing waters of the River Blackwater, before crawling up the huge mud bank on the other side, trekking across the mud plain before splashing back down to cross the river and then the finish line.

They will be running the race for Farleigh Hospice, who care for people with life limiting illnesses, as it is a charity close to many members’ hearts.

So far this year, the Maldon Young Farmers have raised £4,029 for charities such as East Anglia Children’s Hospice and First Responders.

Last year, Essex Young Farmers raised more than £38,000, and won a trophy for raising the most per member over any other county.

Shannon Rowsell, chairman of Maldon Young Farmers, said: “We want to raise as much as we can for Farleigh Hospice as it holds a place in many of our hearts.

“We’ve raised £435 so far which is fantastic, but would appreciate anything anyone can give.

“The cow costumes will be a great bit of fun, but may make the race even harder.”

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/companyteams/MaldonYoungFarmersMudRace.