Rudolph and his mates are taking a well-earned break after their round the world tour - but there was definitely a Dasher in Ewshot last Saturday in a barking mad finish to the festive season.

Thirteen villagers embraced the three Rs – running, recycling and refreshments – as the staring pistol was fired on the second annual Ewshot Christmas Tree Race.

Entrants carry or drag a Christmas tree from the church to the recycling point via the village green, pub and Tadpole Lane.

There was a flurry of excitement as fighter pilots, ninja turtles and fellow green-thinking villagers pounded the trunk road to the finish line.

Pete Wild – AKA Elite Pete, Pete ‘The Whippet’ Wild, and Ewshot’s Minister of Sport – came first while Amy Canham was the fastest female.

“I was in it to win it – there’s going to be some fan mail, for sure,” added the victor, who reputedly started training for the intensive two-minute course in January 2023.

Amy claimed her ‘over the shoulder’ technique carried her to victory with the winners receiving a Christmas tree-shaped medal and drink from last-placed Justin Weik, as he brought a round for all the competitors.

You won’t find official times and personal bests just yet while there’s been some debate over tree sizes, as there were claims one tree wasn’t to “requisite length”.

And although official rules and regulations have yet to be drawn up, no-one is getting too competitive. One race helper even held an impromptu litter pick as he retrieved an empty wine bottle from the gritting bin.

“Dad didn’t come last and humiliate us again,” said a young relieved audience member as villagers converged on The Windmill for an after-race pint.

“Last year was our test run but this year there’s been much more of a buzz,” said Nancy Bassant, adding: “It’s just been nuts.”