The Mascot Grand National attracts cuddly critters from across Britain, and our local entrants have been in training for the big day!

The madcap event at the racecourse on Sunday (October 5) will see 75 mascots run, walk, stagger and stumble over obstacles on the gruelling one-furlong (220 yards) course.

Among those lining up are representatives from the Huntingdonshire leisure centres, with Funky Monkey from Ramsey, Cyril The Squirrel from St Ives, Dr Croc from St Neots, Krazy Kat from Sawtry and Leo the Lion from Huntingdon.

Huntingdon firefighter Adam Cornthwaite has also been in rigorous training for the mascot race this weekend and hopes to take home the trophy for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The 22-year-old has pledged to finish in the top three at the end of the sprint – dressed as the official mascot for The Fire Fighters Charity, Blaze Bear.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Adam should visit Huntingdon Fire Station to sign the sponsorship form before Sunday's race.

Other local mascots include Pumpkin, running for Wood Green Animal Shelter, and Spike, from Cambridgeshire County Council's road safety team.

The John Smith's Mascot Grand National starts at 1.10pm and kicks off an afternoon of jump racing at the course.