A SURGE of runners took part in this year's fundraising run at Bolton Abbey estate in support of Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice.

The seventh Run Bolton Abbey, which took place on Remembrance Sunday, saw almost double the number of participants taking part than last year -a 78 per cent increase - and with an expected £25,000 raised for the Oxenhope hospice, which provides care for people across Craven.

Runners at the event, which is jointly organised by Skipton Athletics Club and a team of volunteers, were given the choice of taking a 2.4 mile fun run, a more challenging ten mile route, or a half marathon, all through the beautiful Bolton Abbey estate; and for every one who took part, a tree will be planted somewhere on the estate.

In the half marathon, Liam Vandamme was the first man home in a time of one hour, 26 minutes and 58 seconds and Emma Hopkinson was the first woman, finishing in one hour, 48 minutes and 26 seconds. For the 10-mile route, Paul Wright crossed the finish line first in one hour, 17 minutes and 44 seconds; followed by Victoria Wadsworth in one hour and 27 minutes.

In the 10k race, Ben Schindler finished first with the time of 40 minutes and 14 seconds; Maisey Bellwood was first woman and second overall at 41 minutes and 40 seconds. In the 2.4-mile fun run, Felix Clarkson finished in a time of 16 minutes and 54 seconds, while Lianne Ayling finished in a time of 17 minutes and 53 seconds.

The event was sponsored by Midgley Motor Cars of Skipton and The Yorkshire Clinic.

Andrew Wood, Manorlands community fundraising manager paid tribute to all those who took part and those without whose help, the run would not be possible.

He said: "It was great to see participant numbers and funds raised almost double from the previous year and I'd like to give a big thank you to our volunteer Dave Belmont who has worked really hard to help us achieve this. Then of course there are another 40 volunteers on the day many from our event partner Skipton Athletics Club, without who the event would not happen.”

Sue Ryder has been a source of strength and support for anyone living with a life-limiting illness or grief for more than 70 years. For more information about Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, visit www.sueryder.org/manorlands