A POOR weather forecast affected the number of entrants at this year's charity Coal Hump.

A field of less than 30 stalwarts, well down on previous years, took part in yesterday's 27th Coal Hump event at Scarborough, in what turned out to be fair weather.

People from all over the North-East traditionally take part in the 3.5-mile race lugging coal sacks along the seafront and a number of different causes benefit from sponsorship of the runners.

Event chairman Bob Heaps said: "The numbers this year were disappointing but many people expected the weather in Scarborough to be really bad. It wasn't the case but the forecast still stopped plenty of people from coming."

For those who did turn out, there was a slight alteration to the course because of sea protection works. Scarborough Starlights marching band provided entertainment as supporters cheered on the runners.

Mr Heaps said: "It was still a fun day and local charities will benefit from the competitors' hard work.

"Now we need all our entrants to bring in their sponsorship money by November 15.

"We still want to make this event bigger and better than we have done for a long time and we'll be looking for the support of local people for next year's event."

The toughest category on the day was won by Kevin Barker, who ran the course in 31mins 41secs with a full sack of coal. Kevin Moment ran the fastest time of 22mins 34secs with half a sack.