Now is the perfect time to get in training for this year’s Easter Monday Walking Race.

The race, which starts at 10am on 21st April, will see villagers battle to get their hands on one of several impressive trophies and medals.

Entrants will follow a five mile route around the perimeter of the village, many of them adding to the fun by wearing fancy dress. Last year’s race saw fairies with wands, medieval wenches, bunny ears and lots of bow ties.

While the walkers are on their way, children are invited to search for the hidden foil-covered tickets which will win them an Easter egg.

Organised by the Independent State of Cuckfield, the annual walking race started out in 1927 as a ‘challenge’ between E.Jard and F.Hoadley, walking to Bolney and back, ‘fully’ dressed (collar and tie). The event has been held each year since, except for the odd break including during WWII.

There have been several different routes but the current circular course, starting at Cuckfield Rec and taking in Ansty, Deaks Lane and Whitemans Green before finishing back at the Rec, has been used since the Independent State of Cuckfield started organising the event in the 1960s.

Some older residents can remember prizes such as a roasting joint, sack of coal or cartload of manure being awarded but these have been replaced by cups and medals for the various individual and team categories.

The event is open to all aged over 16 years but only Cuckfield Residents can win any of the individual cups. Teams can be entered by any Cuckfield club, society or institution with the total of the fastest 3 times counting.

Entry costs just £2 and registration starts at 9.15am.