MASCOTS from across the Keighley district were part of a record-breaking event at the weekend.

Over 120 characters took part in a one-kilometre race before the annual Mascot Gold Cup, at Wetherby racecourse.

The local contingent was joined by mascots from as far afield as Northern Ireland and Germany.

Chuffed organisers said Sunday's event, in front of huge crowds, smashed the previous world record of 100 mascots in a 1km race.

Over £18,000 was raised for Manorlands, which staged the venture, and about £3,000 for other charities.

Andrew Wood, a fundraiser at the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice and the race organiser, said: "We're absolutely delighted.

"The Foresters Mascot Gold Cup is a great addition to Wetherby's family day meeting and we're grateful so many Keighley-based mascots came along to help us break the world record and raise more vital funds for Manorlands than ever before.

"Thanks also go to our sponsors and volunteers, without whom the event could not happen."

It was the 10th running of the race, which over the years has boosted Manorlands' coffers by £150,000.

The event began with a mascot parade, in which Haworth woman Laura Moore – as Water Aid's Tippy Tap – took an award for the second-best turned out on the Keep it Clean theme of Bulloughs Cleaning Services.

In the Gold Cup race itself, top local finisher was Oakworth's Daniel Wilkinson as Harris Hound – of the Harris Partnership – in sixth place.

Keighley Cougars' Freddie Cougar, backed by Clinic Energy Bills, was 22nd.

Other impressive finishers included Sammy Sponge and Bobby Bleach, of Harden-based STRI, and Peanuts the penguin from Keighley's Airedale Shopping Centre.

And on his debut in the event, the Keighley News' own news hound – aka editor Richard Parker – came home in around 40th.

"It was great fun to take part – if a little too hot – but I'm delighted we smashed the world record," he said.

"It was great to see so many people from Bradford district doing their bit for such a superb cause.

"As for the race itself, it was a case of ruff justice for the Keighley News Hound. I was on the scent of victory but got kennelled with the elite runners at the back of the field. Clearly I didn't eat enough Winalot before the race!"

An award for the top fundraisers went to Keelham Farm Shop's Lamby and Beefy, who took the honour for the fifth year running after coining-in £2,700.

Old Time Fisheries, of West Lane, Keighley, were also near the top of the fundraising leader board.