CASTLE Howard witnessed the hottest day of triathlon racing in nine years at the weekend accentuating the challenge for competitors.

A strong field of triathletes competed in a swim in Castle Howard’s Great Lake and a challenging bike and run through the Howardian Hills.

Among the junior triathletes was Bailey Matthews, who has cerebral palsy and returned to Castle Howard for the fourth year.

The Castle Triathlon Series aims to raise £250,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Next year’s event will take place Castle Howard on July 20 and 21, 2019.