Preparations are underway as a popular mud-filled obstacle challenge returns to Brampton for a record-breaking third year.

More than 2,500 people have signed up to Gelt Gladiator, which is set to take place on farmland and through a section of Gelt Woods on June 10 and 11.

This week organisers set to work on installing the course, which includes about 30 huge obstacles - and they are already more than halfway to completing it.

"It's going to be the best yet. It's going to be a record entry. There is more than we have ever had before," said organiser Mike James, of Endurance Sports Limited.

"I'm very pleased. About 7,000 over the first three years is pretty decent."

The course has been adapted to make it the best to date.

A "hang tough" will be set up as an added challenge over one of the ponds and the slides have been adapted so more are available to be used at once.

"Sink or swim", "great balls of fire", "avalanche" and "the shocker" are among the other obstacles participants will have to tackle in the challenge, which attracts as many spectators as it does entrants.

Speaking about the success of the event to date, Mr James said: "I'm not surprised because it is a good concept and although a lot of people have done it, a lot of people haven't.

"I think for children in particular there is not a lot of opportunities for children to do it.

"To be able to offer something that is suitable for everybody, including them, is pleasing."

This year about 1,200 youngsters have entered into the 3k challenge, which includes 15 obstacles, making it the most popular category of the four on offer.

Just 100 people are taking on the 10 mile course this year while hundreds more are taking part in the 10k and 6k versions of the challenge.

An event village also provides refreshments, fairground rides and viewing for the final obstacle, Scafell Pike, a steep curved wall.