HIGH spirited youngsters did their bit for Cancer Research as they caked themselves in mud for the first Pretty Muddy Kids event for Basildon.

Almost 4,000 residents descended on Gloucester Park on Sunday for Race for Life as well as the Pretty Muddy race and for the first time, Pretty Muddy Kids.

Hundreds of youngsters took on the course with obstacles for the youngsters to climb over, crawl under, and charge through - all raising funds in a bid to help beat cancer.

The event was such a huge success organisers have already confirmed it is set to return next year.

Gill Burgess, events manager, said: “The Pretty Muddy event is always hugely popular, and we are over the moon with how the first Pretty Muddy kids event went.

“We had a great turn out, and all the youngsters were having a great time.

“It was an excellent addition to everything that we have going on with Race for Life.

“I think it is fair to say that the Pretty Muddy Kids event will be returning next year.”

Youngsters weren’t shy about getting involved, as they threw themselves head first though puddles of mud and down inflatable slides with wild abandon.

Across the three races, the event is expected to have raised a whopping £315,000 for a cause which has affected families across the world.