A scantily-clad tug-of-war team accused of overshadowing a popular contest with their risque outfits have hit back at “jealous” detractors.

The eight women turned heads when they dressed as Amazonian warrior princesses for the annual Mud Tug at the Whitstable Oyster Festival.

Pictures of the team – who are aged between 24 and 41 – were featured in national coverage of the event, with many people applauding their honed physiques.

But spectators on the day accused the team of “stealing the thunder” of other competitors, while more critics taking to social media to rant about the “unsuitable costumes”.

Team member Miriam Tivenan, a mother-of-three from Canterbury, says it is “tragic” that most of the criticism has come from other women.

“That’s what has made me most cross,” said the super-fit personal trainer, who runs boot camps and HIIT fitness classes across the district.

“Shouldn’t we lift each other up and celebrate how we can come together in strength and fun in a challenge like this?

“It’s only a bit of fun. We work bloody hard to be fit.

“They all complained before it started and now they are still complaining. As they dip their second digestive into their third latte and hide behind their laptop making snide comments, we are dashing from the school-run to work, and then to a workout before going home to cook dinner for our families and prep food for the next day.

“My eldest son was there watching. He’s nearly 15 and it’s super important to me that he has a very positive attitude towards women.

“We want to be strong positive role models for our sons and daughters without being trapped within the socially acceptable parameters of ‘mummy’ or ‘daughter’ or ‘sister’ or ‘wife’.”

Fellow Amazonial Jade-zula Pitt, 32, a mum-of-two who runs a small beauty business alongside HIIT Run classes, added: “We didn’t go out of our way to steal anyone’s thunder. We dressed that way for our own pleasure and fun.

“The publicity we have had should only been seen as empowering to women.”

The Amazonials - all of them HIIT and CrossFit enthusiasts - lost in the first round of the Mud Tug, which was won by the Whitstable Wallys.

Rebecca Richardson, who supported the winning team, said: “The Amazonials looked amazing – as did all of the teams. Everyone put effort into their outfits and a good time was had by all – despite the weather.”