AS many as 50 runners took part in the first Richmond Rotary Club Fun Run, on Sunday.

The inaugural event had two aims: to raise money for the Butterwick Children's Hospice in Stockton, and to raise the profile of both the Rotary Club and the Richmond and Zetland Harriers.

Afterwards, organisers said they were satisfied they had achieved both, thanks to the support of those who went along.

However, the total raised in sponsorship has yet to be confirmed and the committee which planned the weekend's events has yet to meet to decide if it will stage a similar run next year.

"I think it went as well as we could have hoped for in its first year," said spokesman Ian Hepworth.

"However, it is too early to say if we will plan another, as we will need to be sure that the amount we have raised justifies the time and effort which went into this year's run."