Mud, flippers and snorkels – the 40th World Bog Snorkelling Championships held in Llanwrtyd Wells

The 40th World Bog Snorkelling Championships took place on bank holiday Sunday at the famous Waen Rhydd bog.

This year organisers remembered Gordon Green, who started the incredible fun event, and Di Green, who sadly died last week.

They were also lamenting the sad loss of John Davies, landowner of the bog and bog poet, who passed away this year.

This year there was a record number of entries - and the fancy dress just seems to get more outlandish and extraordinary every year.

The champion of the day was Emily Hall, who finished in 01.27.97.

In the men's competition first was Adrian Sandstrom in 01.28.30, second was Thomas Howells in 01.29.72 and in third place was James Massey in 01.40.50.

In the ladies competition, Emily Hall was first, second was Eve Stewart-Brown in 01.39.87 and in third place was Tracy Carlson in 01.48.56.

On the Saturday the Bogathlon took place with also a record entry and many participants stayed for the bog events on the Sunday.

Add on to all this a vibrant music festival and you have a unique weekend on the edge of the beautiful Cambrian Mountains, and right in the middle of the Heart of Wales.

This year’s Bogfest included live music across the weekend including Hermione Wild, Ali Austin, Stompin Dave, Amber, Small Town Samba, Anonymous Sauce, Emily Breeze and Daryll's Disco.

The 'Chapel' Bogathlon comprised a 60-yard swim, two-mile cross country cycle and one mile run over testing, probably wet, terrain.

The 40th ‘Chapel’ World Bogsnorkelling Championships took place on Sunday, August 30 and attracted competitors from around the world, bidding to become the fastest bogsnorkeller over 120 yards.

Allica Bank sponsored the world-famous Welsh event for the first time as part of its Here is Where the Heart Is campaign.

And Kate Davey, relationship manager for Wales at Allica Bank, donned her flippers to experience the championships from inside the bog!

Now in its 40th year, the Championships have become one of Britain's most iconic quirky sporting traditions.

Recognised by Lonely Planet as one of the world's top 50 "must-do" experiences, the event attracts thousands of spectators and competitors from across the world.

The current world record holder and World Champion - Neil Rutter completed it in 1.12.34

Bob Greenough, organiser of the World Bog Snorkelling Championships, said: "The World Bog Snorkelling Championships are unlike anything else in the world – and that's exactly why people keep coming back year after year. What began as a quirky local challenge has grown into an international event, but at its heart it remains a celebration of our community, our volunteers and the wonderfully unusual spirit of Llanwrtyd Wells.

"It takes a huge amount of effort from local people and businesses to bring the Championships to life each year, so having the support of Allica Bank is fantastic. Their backing will help us continue welcoming competitors from across the globe and ensure we can keep putting on a day full of fun, mud and memorable moments for years to come."

Kate Davey, relationship manager for Wales at Allica Bank, said: "Whether you're chasing a world record, pulling on a fancy dress costume or simply cheering on from the sidelines, the Bog Snorkelling Championships are a brilliant example of what makes local communities so special. It's an event that puts Llanwrtyd Wells on the map, brings thousands of visitors into the town and creates opportunities for local businesses, volunteers and community groups.”

From September 16 to 19, Llanwrtyd Wells hosts the Mid Wales Four Day Walking Festival, followed by The Ron Skilton Memorial Half Marathon and 12k races on October 18, with profits going to the MNDA for research into motor neurone disease.

The half marathon has been described by runners as possibly the toughest in the country.

For more information about any of the events, visit www.green-events.co.uk.