HOUSING association staff held their own Olympics to raise money for charity.

Staff from Greenfields Community Housing celebrated the Olympics with a Race to Rio event, featuring activities designed to get the blood pumping.

The 12 employees, who manage services in Halstead, Braintree and Witham, raised more than £150 for Essex Air Ambulance.

The day began with the opportunity for employees to make their own breakfast by using a smoothie bike to churn their fruit.

They also took part in the 2km bike challenge to see which three people from the same department had the fastest time.

Healthy snacks were provided by the customer services team at lunchtime, followed by an express lunchtime walk to give staff the opportunity to work off any excess calories.

Throughout the day, they could also challenge each other to games of table tennis and those feeling less energetic could participate in an Olympic sweepstake.

James Taylor, Greenfields health and wellbeing coordinator, said: “Some staff members love a challenge and getting them competing against each other helps to keep them active and engaged.

“The Greenfields health champions offer a range of activities for staff to improve their heath, wellbeing and overall fitness, and we really enjoyed commemorating the greatest show on earth today.”