AFTER a false start due to last weekend’s snowy weather, hundreds of runners donned their trainers for East Lancashire Hospice’s annual 10k run.

Participants from across the region raised money for the charity, which helps people suffering from life-limiting illnesses, by taking part in the race, which set off from Gaskell Motor Bodies in Great Harwood yesterday morning.

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And children as young as four also helped to collect cash by running in the 1k event.

This year’s winner of the shorter race was 11-year-old George Owen, who is part of Hyndburn Athletics Club. He also won the race last year and celebrated his double with the ‘Mobot’ as he crossed the finishing line.

The youngster, from Clayton-le-Moors, said: “I was really happy to win and it was really fun to take part.”

In total, 400 runners from across East Lancashire pounded the streets around Great Harwood.

Among them were the Beechey family, from Colne, who decided it would be fun to take part together.

Mum Jill, who ran alongside Harry, 10, and Isobel, seven, said: “We were really looking forward to the run.

“It was really well organised and a there was a really nice atmosphere as well.”

And the Stevenson siblings, Lucy, 13, Adam, 12, Kieran, 10, and Rachel, eight, who run for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers, also got into the spirit.

Their mum Deborah, who is from Burnley, said: “There was a really lovely community feel and it was great to get involved with a fundraiser for such an important charity.”

The races were started by the Mayor of Hyndburn Cllr Munsif Dad, who said it was brilliant so many people were out in support of the hospice, particularly when it had to be moved to this weekend at short notice because of the weather.

He said: “The East Lancashire Hospice is one of the charities I am supporting in my mayoral year.

“I saw first hand the work that the hospice does and some families have told me how they have looked after their loved ones with professionalism and courtesy.

“Hospices such as this one require about £3million a year and so it is very important we as a community support this charity.”

The race was won by John Lloyd from Salford.

Denise Gee, from the hospice, said it was a ‘fabulous’ day.

She said: “After the horrendous weather, we were absolutely delighted to set the run off.

“Numbers have increased year on year and people came out to support us. It was fabulous.

“The day was absolutely brilliant. It was buzzing.

“Hopefully lots of money has been raised.”