SOUPED up lawnmowers were raced around the RMB Chivenor military base to raise cash for charities in a wacky version of the famous Le Mans 24-hour race in France.

The event called Le Mow saw teams drive lawnmowers for 2.4 hours to generate money for Children's Hospice South West, Help for Heroes and the Soldiers Sailors and Air Force Association.

A team from Dan Perrin Landscapes emerged victorious after completing 119 laps in the time period.

The event raised around £1,500.

The heavily modified ride-on lawnmowers were raced on a course which was around 700 metres long.

There was great camaraderie between the drivers as they swapped wheels, and any other necessary parts, to keep going during the race.

John Turner, from the Dan Perrin Landscapes team, said: "The team spirit in the pit area was brilliant, with everybody helping each other out."

Richard Dale, from the team Rusty Nuts, said: "We would love to see the event held next year."

Organiser David Butt said: "The drivers were the only thing which stayed the same on the lawnmowers.

"This has been a successful event and there's a desire to stage something again in 2011.

"How we return with the event next year is something we have to review.

"The aim was to have fun and raise money for great charities and both goals have been achieved."