THOUSANDS of pounds were raised by a jog through the park in silly socks on Saturday.

The ninth annual Joshua Tree Fun Run at Marbury Country Park raised more than £2,000 towards the charity's #digdeep campaign to help children with cancer and their families.

Runners and joggers took part in a 5km race and a 2.5km fun run at the event, which was opened by DJ and TV presenter Mark Radcliffe.

Lynda Hill, the charity's founder, said: “A big thank you goes out to all the runners and walkers who took part in our ninth fun run and raised more than £2,000 towards our #digdeep campaign to build our support centre by May 2016.

"The weather was kind and so were the supporters and volunteers – we cannot thank everyone enough for their efforts in making this a successful event for us yet again.”

Trophies were presented to the first adult female, Natalie Cliff, and first adult male, Matt Rowlinson, to cross the 5km line as well as the first under 16 boy, Ben Keeble.

Runners up were Kathryn Lowe, Geoff Fawkes and Tyler Burroughs.

The winner of the 2.5km fun run was Will McKay and runner up was Charlie Foulkes.

The award for the best dressed runner at the event went to Niamh Whittaker sporting silly socks galore and the runner up was Elise Foulkes.

Teenage musician Josh Whittaker also entertained participants and their supporters before the race began.

All funds from this year’s fun run will go to The Joshua Tree’s #digdeep campaign to build its much needed support centre in Sandiway by the charity’s 10th anniversary in May 2016.

As an incentive, the adult runner who raises the most amount of money for The Joshua Tree this year will also win a slap up meal for two and a bottle of wine at The Hayhurst Arms in Bostock Green.

The junior runner to raise the most money will win a scooter and games package.

Winners will be announced when all the sponsorship money is in at the end of May.