A MALDON school has announced its staff will be getting down and dirty by competing in this year's town mud race.

Plume Community Academy staff will be among the hundreds expected to take in the 2024 Maldon Mud Race event next weekend.

The team will cross 400 metres of the River Blackwater for the David Randall Foundation, a charity remembering former Plume student David Randall, a cricket enthusiast who died from cancer at 27.

Created by Maldon Cricket Club in 2012, the foundation boosts individuals excelling in sports and music, while providing opportunities for those with life-limiting conditions.

Chairman Brian Farrington said: "We have always worked closely with Plume Academy, and we are grateful they have mustered such a large team.

"We know how hard all the staff work and to give up their precious Sundays is very kind. A team of this size will undoubtedly raise a generous amount for local charities.

"Plume Community Academy will be donating 50/50 to Maldon Mud Race and their chosen charity, The David Randall Foundation."

Joint head of academy Ruth Clark, who will once again be participating in the race, said: "Plume is Maldon’s Community Academy and sole provider of secondary education in Maldon.

"Within that remit, we support both our community and local charities.

"As a huge date in the local community calendar, we wanted to support the Maldon Mud Race as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary and we are all excited to enter this challenging race.

"We know it will be a memorable experience for the whole team and will do our utmost to raise additional funds for the charities."

The school also thanked Maldon High Street business D’LUX Aesthetic and Spa, who provided the school with t-shirts staff will be wearing during the race.

"We are always extremely grateful for the support of our local businesses who are also members of our Plume Family," said koint head of academy Tom Baster.