A competitor takes part in the World Bog Snorkelling Championships held at Waen Rhydd Bog Photo: GETTY Competitors from across the UK turned out in force for the popular August Bank Holiday ritual. It is now more than two decades since the small Mid Wales town of Llanwrtyd Wells began hosting the annual challenge. For the first time, Gorden Green, 74, the man who devised the event to help put the town on the tourist map, braved the elements himself. Now retired, he turned out in flippers, a mask and a snorkel to get down and dirty in one of two 60-yard trenches dug into the bog outside the town. For competitors the ultimate aim is to cover two gruelling lengths of the bog in the fastest time. ''You have to swim but actually that takes the form of a doggy paddle in a snorkel, mask and flppers,'' said his wife, Diana, 66. ''Some people also wear a wetsuit but Gordon was more macho and decided against that. He did it in about five minutes.'' She added: ''He tried to get me to take part as well but there is no way I would do it myself. I'm emphatic about that. ''I enjoy my swimming, but in nice warm, clean water.'' She said the turn-out this year looked to be on course to top all previous years, adding: ''It does tend to attract more people every year. ''But it is already looking like it will be a very successful event this year.'' Hundreds of spectators braved the teeming rain to shout on the competitors as they took part in the eccentric bank holiday sport. Competitors pay £15 to take part in a variety of categories which range from men and women, to juniors and fancy dress. Organisers donate all funds raised to charity.