Isle of Ely Produce’s potato race, which was held in October, saw hundreds line the High Street to cheer on the teams as they sprinted the half-a-mile course.

Each team member was laden with a 20kg bag of spuds, all of which had been grown by farmers in the Fens surrounding the city.

The two-man Atrium team of Pavel Kolasa and Anthony Barnes were crowned champions. They ran on behalf of Fred Hartley Estates.

Now, Isle of Ely Produce has joined forces with Mayor of Ely Lis Every to help give the money away.

Cllr Every said: “I was honoured to be the official starter for the Ely Potato Race and saw first hand what a great race it has become.

“To raise over £2,000 too for local charities and groups is the icing on the cake. I urge you all to come forward no matter how small.”

Oliver Hartley of Fred Hartley and Sons, said: “To win the potato race was very special for the whole team here at the farm, and to donate the sponsorship raised to local charities just before Christmas seemed to be the best way to share in our happiness.”

The event was put on by Isle of Ely Produce to celebrate the region’s potato growers and the harvest festival.

Alongside the three winning teams were twelve other teams who competed in what was hailed the most keenly contested race yet.

Also receiving £200 for its efforts was the the Hereward Rotary Club of Ely, which marshalled the streets.

To be in with a chance of receiving a share of the cash, e-mail austen@isleofely.co.uk explaining why your charity or community group should receive a share of the cash.

Each successful group will receive £200.

The closing date for nominations is Friday December 31 and they will be considered by Ely Mayor Lis Every, representatives from Fred Hartley and Sons and the directors of Isle of Ely Produce.