Family fun was in full welly at Carlisle Racecourse as a competition to set a new world record got underway.

Visitors to the Durdar course's annual Easter Saturday Meeting gave it their all in an official attempt to smash the current Guinness World Record for the longest welly throw.

The records of 63.98m (men) and 40.87 (women) were set in 1996 by Finnish pair Teppo Luoma and Sari Tirkkon.

The day started out well for the Dudley family from Morton, Carlisle, who were reigning top of three of the four leader boards.

Peter Dudley, a former county javelin thrower, had flung one of the rubber boots 27.70m.

His wife Jenny was top of the women's over 18 board and their son Jack, 11, managed to throw his welly 15m in the under 12s group.

Jack said: "I just grabbed on the top of the welly and chucked it as far as I could."

There was also a junior contest for young people aged 13-18.

Geraldine McKay, Carlisle Racecourse’s general manager, said: “We love our family fun days and this Easter we wanted to try something different – and what could be more different than trying to break the world record for welly wanging at a racecourse?

“We reckon Cumbria has a few strong lads and lasses who could give our Finnish record-holding friends a run for their money when it comes to wanging a welly."

There was also horse riding, a rodeo, quick draw, arts and crafts and horseshoe toss for youngster to enjoy.

The racecourse was offering free entry for life for anyone who managed to set a new world record.