HUNDREDS of runners braved yesterday's heatwave to take part in an annual ten kilometre road run.

More than 350 people of all ages took part in the Aycliffe 10k Road Race, in the County Durham town, many of them raising money for charity.

The race, sponsored by 3M Aycliffe, Great Aycliffe Town Council and Sedgefield Borough Council, consisted of two-and-a-half laps of the town.

It was first organised in 1998 by Newton Aycliffe Athletics Club as a way of encouraging the local community to keep fit.

"It was so hot," said race director Sue Milburn. "I didn't do the race myself, but it must have been really hard. But more than 350 people took part."

Peterlee baker Terry Wall was the overall winner for the third year running, scooping the £100 first prize. The Morpeth Harrier finished in 32 minutes 12 seconds, beating his time from last year.

The runner-up in the men's section was Ricky Wilson of Scarborough, in 33mins 7 secs. He was followed by Martin Grainger of Darlington, (33 mins 45 secs), Tim Field of Sunderland, (33 mins 51 secs), and Les Atkinson of Morpeth, (34 mins 10 secs).

In the women's race, Aiveen Fox of Durham University, finished first in 35 mins 47 secs. Bernadette Taylor of Darlington, was second in 37 mins 37 secs.

The next positions were filled by Hannah Wootton of North Shields, 38 mins 57 secs, Jane Mooney of Morpeth, 39 mins 18 secs and Rebecca Adams in 40 mins 34 secs.