It's a dirty job for champion bog-snorkellers

(GETTY)

More than 150 competitors braved wind, rain and mud yesterday in the annual World Bog Snorkelling Championship in the Mid Wales town of Llanwrtyd Wells. For the first time, Gordon Green, 74, who devised the event more than two decades ago, turned out himself in flippers, a mask and a snorkel to get down and dirty in one of two 60-yard trenches dug into the bog outside the town.

The event has been attracting more competitors each year, and hundreds of spectators braved teeming rain to urge on the competitors. Entrants paid £15 to take part in a variety of categories which ranged from men and women to juniors and fancy dress.

The aim was to swim, or doggy-paddle, down the trenches in the fastest time. All funds raised will go to charity.