A running group has announced its annual marathon raised an estimated £8,000 for charities and good causes.

Halstead Road Runners has been dishing out proceeds from the ever-popular Halstead and Essex Marathon over the last few weeks.

The likes of Halstead in Bloom, St Helena Hospice and four primary schools are among the beneficiaries.

The marathon attracts keen runners from all over the country and sees competitors run from Halstead Leisure Centre around parts of the Colne Valley.

Chairman Paul Hinsley said: “The wonderful thing about the marathon is that the club is able to give something back to the town and we’re all very proud of that.”

Some of the proceeds from this year’s events were made to certain charities to remember former road runners, Jo Hinckley and Julia Woolnough, who both sadly died earlier this year.

Other foundations such as Travel Aid for Parents of Sick Children (TAPS) and Farleigh Hospice also received some of the money raised by the marathon.

Keith Thorogood, long-standing race director, thanked road runner members for all their hard work in putting on the race in 2018 and the support received from other volunteers.

Halstead Road Runners say planning is already underway for next year’s marathon, with a special event planned to mark the race’s 25th year.

Visit halsteadroadrunners.org.uk.