HUNDREDS of runners donned their silly socks and charged through the trees in a popular annual event in Northwich on Saturday.

The Joshua Tree’s eighth family fun run saw 300 participants descend on Marbury Park, running , jogging and walking either 2.5km or 5km for the charity.

DJ and TV personality Mark Radcliffe, patron of The Joshua Tree, opened the event.

Lynda Hill, charity founder , said: “The fun run is such a great event for us and the crowds grow bigger every year. “A big thank you goes out to all the runners and walkers who took part in our eighth fun run.

“ The weather was kind and so were the supporters and volunteers – we cannot thank everyone enough for their efforts in making this a success for us yet again.” Trophies were presented for first adult female , Val Dunn, and first adult male, Daniel Morrison, to cross the 5k line as well as the first under 16 boy, Matt Rowlinson and first under 16 girl, Maya Evans, to finish the 2.5k race. Runners up were Georgina Walker, Steve Caldwell, Oscar Bradley and Molly Wormald.

The award for the best dressed runner at the event went to 12 year old Oriana Brown, from Rudheath.

Runners asked friends and relatives to help them meet their challenge of raising a total of £5k for The Joshua Tree this year towards their target of building a holiday home and support centre for courageous kids and their families in Sandiway. As an incentive the runner who raises the most amount of money for The Joshua Tree this year will also win a slap up meal.

The winner will be announced when all the sponsorship money is collected at the end of May.