AN estimated 15,000 took on an ice bath, electric shocks and a 12-mile run as the hardest assault course in the UK came to Hampshire.

They ran, jumped, waded and crawled around the obstacles that made up the Tough Mudder event at Matterley Bowl near Winchester.

The Tough Mudder phenomenon, which began in the United States, sees participants team up in order to tackle the challenges, and there are no winners or losers - it's a challenge rather than a race.

Many of the participants were competing in aid of charity.

Sarah Harvey, Tough Mudder's UK vice-president, said: “People come because it's just a brilliant mix of challenges. It's something you can do with your friends, a real challenge, but then get together and have a pint at the end.”

Those who toughed the course out to the bitter end were rewarded with a bright orange headband and a well-earned pint of cider.