THREE staff members from Launceston Medical Centre plus four friends, one a crew member on the Bude lifeboat, competed in the Rock Solid Race at Escot Park, Exeter.

They battled through mud, freezing water, ice and more than 40 obstacles spread across a 10km course.

They took part to raise funds for the RNLI, and the race on Saturday, March 21 included jumping 12ft into a freezing lake after scaling a cargo net, 10ft vertical walls and dragging themselves through mud up to their waists.

The team, Cazza's Super Seven, said it was 'extremely proud' to have raised more than £1,300, the amount required to fully kit out one lifeboat crew member.

Team member Caroline Gist said: "The crews of the lifeboats and lifeguards on and around our local beaches risk their lives daily to save ours but get little publicity compared to the larger charities.

"We were all very humbled by the fantastic support and generosity shown by all those who donated and for the numerous messages of encouragement. Thank you so much on behalf of the RNLI."