An adventure challenge that enticed more than 100 Moray children to tackle a muddy obstacle course last year will return this summer.
The tough mudder craze arrived in Dufftown last July when a miniature version of the endurance event was staged at Tininver Park.
Yesterday, organisers revealed plans for a second installment.
This time, local youngsters will take on the Mortlach Mini Mudder to fund improvements to their own school playground.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, July 23, to coincide with Dufftown’s gala week festivities.
Speyside mum Candice Geddes came up with the idea last year after taking part in several tough mudder events herself, and realised how much youngsters would love the challenge.
Mrs Geddes said: “Last year, we worried that we wouldn’t be able to attract 50 children but we had 120 involved.
“That was on a weeknight, and this year’s will be on a Saturday, so we are hoping more will come along.
“We would love this to become an annual event, and a regular part of Dufftown’s Gala Week celebrations.
“The children all had a great time, they really get stuck in, and some are still talking about last year’s challenge.”
The debut event raised more than £1,000 for local childcare group The Cabin.
Mrs Geddes hopes to top that sum this year – and will plough the proceeds into new play equipment at Mortlach School and its adjoining nursery.
The mum, who is attached to the school’s parent council, added: “We have a few ambitions for the playground, which depend on how much money we raise.
“We want to redo markings on the ground, invest in some sensory games for younger children and buy football or basketball nets for older pupils.”
Last year, young fitness fanatics clambered over bales of hay and whisky casks, scaled waterslides and scrambled through rope netting.
The course was created by a small crew of volunteers, and organisers have issued an appeal for local businesses to help with
its construction this time.
For more information, e-mail Mrs Geddes mortlachminimudder@gmail.com or phone 01340 821233.