Charitable fun-runners pulled on their trainers to run a mile for Farleigh Hospice.

About 30 villagers from Shalford scaled the hilly Shalford Mile on December 7 and raised £400 for the cause, who help people with life-limiting illnesses.

The race kicked off in Water Hall Lane and ended at The George pub in Braintree Road, where runners enjoyed music from Southend band, Herbie Duo, and a barbecue.

Pub regular Rob Short, 40, of Barryfields, Shalford, organised this year’s run to repeat the success of last year’s event.

He said: “We are really proud of the money we raised and it was a great day for the village.

“Some even managed to run the mile in under six minutes and got some impressive times.”

Andrew Hull won the race, Amy Drake came a close second and Ben Power took third place.