RUNNERS dressed as Donald Trump, Father Ted and Skeletor were among the hundreds who took part in one of Yorkshire's quirkiest competitions today.

The annual Oxenhope Straw Race took place for the 40th time yesterday, and once again saw a variety of people donning bizarre and hilarious costumes while they lug a hay bale between the village's pubs, chugging beer on the way.

Teams have to race the two and a half mile route, much of which is uphill, starting at the Waggon and Horses and stopping off at four other pubs on the way before ending at the Dog and Gun. At each pub they have to drink a pint.

The race is in aid of Sue Ryder's Manorlands hospice in Oxenhope, and the race committee also hands out a share of the money to local good causes.

Despite heavy rain in the days leading up to the race, the sun shone for runners and the hundreds of spectators that lined the route.

This year the race included an off road section, but for many the highlight remains the uphill sprint to the Dog and Gun.

This year 215 teams of two took part, with most co-ordinating their costumes. Wacky racers included the cast of Father Ted, the Night's Watch from Game of Thrones, The Simpsons, Laurel and Hardy and WWF wrestlers Stone Cold Steve Austin and the British Bulldog.

Other teams brought together enemies, with He Man and Skeletor and Donald Trump and a Mexican among those teaming up to transport the bale from pub to pub.

Organiser Jane Barrett said: "It has been an excellent day and the fancy dress has been absolutely superb.

"We were a bit concerned about what the weather would do to the off road bit, but we did the best we could to make it easy to run on.

"There were 215 teams registered, but some people do it with their families, so we think about 500 people were probably racing.

"This was our 40th event and we hope it keeps going for another 40."

James Caine, from Oxenhope, and Ross Bailey, from Keighley ran the race as the White and Green Power Ranger.

James Caine, a former professional sprinter, said: "It is the first time we've done it, we really underestimated it. It is one of the toughest races I've done.

"We dressed in these costumes in a holiday to Benidorm a few years ago, and they went down really well so we thought we'd get them out again."

Richard Butter from Oakworth dressed as a robber while Ross Turner from Steeton came as a cop. Both are members of the Keighley and Craven running club, and Mr Butter said: "It isn't the distance that is tough, it's the beer. Running this race with a couple of pints of beer inside you really gets to you."

Mr Turner added: "Its a lovely race, its really good fun."