THIRTY-four teams flocked to the racecourse yesterday to take part in the third annual "It's a Knockout" tournament, raising money for St Leonard's Hospice.

The event smashed its previous fundraising total with £15,000 already collected and more donations to come as teams carry on with their own events.

Hospice fundraiser Annie Keogh said: It's been a really fantastic day - we;ve had more than 2000 people turn out to spectate and there have been lots of smiles on people's faces."

This year's tournament was the biggest yet, she added, and the hospice has thanked all the teams for their help.

Teams battled it out in four tournaments, starting at 10.30am and stretching throughout the day into the evening.

The games, all themed around "We're all going on a summer holiday" saw teams fighting for the top spot in rounds including a shopping spree in Amsterdam, and an ice cream topping competition, and a race to fit team members plus "hitchhikers" into a VW Beetle.

The teams came from community groups, businesses, families and even boot camp fitness groups across Yorkshire.

Their was fierce competition between teams - especially those from similar areas like the two hotel teams from the York Marriot and Grange hotels.

York Press:
A fundraiser balances a bucket of water

York Press:
A member of the Strensall Pink Ladies cheers on her teammates