THIS year's Oxenhope Straw race was a "poignant" one after it was dedicated to the race's former chairman of 15 years, Ian Barrett.

The funds will go to a number of local charities, including Manorlands Hospice who cared for the chairman.

The race, which has raised just under half a million pounds for charities over the years, sees teams carrying bales of straw through the village.

Jane Barrett, secretary and wife of Mr Barret', said: "We had 200 teams this year. The fancy dress has been really high standard.

"We had Alice In Wonderland, Bill and Ben, two chaps dressed as all seven of the dwarves with Sleepy laid across the bales.

"We had the Father Ted team.

"We're aiming for £10,000 again. It's quite a special year, we're dedicating this year's race to Ian Barrett.

"He was amazing, he was the kindest, most generous man you'd like to meet".