World Snail Racing Championships at Grimston Cricket Club in Congham help raise thousands in Mark Redhead’s memory

Ready, set and go as the World Snail Racing Championships were held at the weekend as part of a Summer Big Bash.

And despite rain and even hail, the big bash event at Grimston Cricket Club in Congham raised an amazing just over £10,000 for the Mark Redhead Foundation.

Nicholas Dickinson, one of the trustees, said: “Despite the weather it was a great day.”

Heat seven of the snail race had to be abandoned due to the hail but Nicholas said: “We managed to get through it all and had a winner and support from some hardy spectators.

“The cricket went ahead as planned but had several interruptions.”

Winner of the snail championship was Jeff trained by local man Simon Lilley.

Nicholas said last year’s defending champion snail, Evie, owned by Lettie Spragg returned to defend the title, but went out in the final heat.

The Foundation staged the new-style event last Saturday at Grimston Cricket Ground with the snail racing, stalls and a host of fun attractions alongside the Mark Redhead Memorial Trophy cricket match. There was also live music in the evening.

The match is held in memory of Mark, 43, of Grimston who died in 2018 after being diagnosed with cancer.