FOOTBALL mascots from Bristol, Swindon and Derby were pitted against each other in a fitness challenge set up by Melksham-based Avon Tyres.

The company, based in Station Approach, wanted to celebrate its successful sponsorship of a number of the county’s football clubs so decided to challenge Swindon Town’s Rockin’ Robin, Bristol Rovers’ Captain Gas and Derby County’s Rammie and see which one would be crowned the master masked man.

Sarah McRoberts, of Avon Tyres, said: “It was a lot of fun. We held the challenge at Derby County’s home ground and made a video for the event. This has been a really fun way to promote our Avon Tyres' partnerships in English football for the 2016/2017 season. Our aim is to raise awareness of the brand among UK customers, and partnering with competitive English football clubs helps us reach a wider audience.

“At Avon Tyres we have fans of both Swindon and Bristol Rovers as they are both local teams. The Derby County mascot won overall though, you can’t please everyone.”

The challenges tasked the three mascots to complete a series of obstacles whilst wearing their full outfits.

“It was quite fun to watch them all take part in the challenges. They had to dribble footballs around stacks of our tyres, carry footballs through a slalom and roll tyres to a goal line. The suits and helmets made it difficult I think as they are heavy,” added Mrs McRoberts.

“I think we will be looking to do other events in the future to keep supporting and raising awareness of our sponsorship but I don’t think we will replicate this one.”

A video of the mascot challenge can be found on Youtube with guest commentator Chris Kamara. To watch the video visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1DVM3lZ_p0&feature=youtu.be.