A FURRY bear was among a field of athletes that tackled a gruelling race at a North racecourse, bidding to be crowned King of the Mascots.
Sixty-eight furry, fluffy and odd creatures took to the track at Wetherby in the Yorkshire Young Farmers' Rural Recycling Mascot Steeplechase.
Despite an unfortunate fall at the fourth hurdle and a few somersaults, IC The Bear, from Tees Active, which runs sports facilities in the Stockton area, regained his composure to cross the finish line.
The white bear is Tees Active's ice skating mascot.
The watching crowd were in stitches as the mascots ran riot along the one-furlong course.
The winner was Doncaster's Desperate Daisy, representing the Doncaster Young Farmers' group.
The event also raised more than £10,000 for charity, boosted the profile of the Young Farmers' movement and promoted recycling in rural areas.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article