AT least £1,000 was raised on Saturday (March 30) by an event in aid of Cancer Research.

The third annual Relay Ramble, part of the Forest of Dean Relay for Life, started from the Speech House with most of the 105 participants opting for the 5k ramble and 10 hardy souls taking on the 10k.

Event organiser Julie Drew said: “We also had about 20 dogs taking part with their owners. We launched this year’s Relay for Life at the beginning of March and this was our first real event. We know we’ve made at least £1,000 but we’re still expecting more sponsorship money to come in.

“The event went well and the weather helped. We started with a warm up before setting off for a 5k or 10k walk through the woods in glorious sunshine.

“Forest of Dean Walking for Health group helped out with the marshalling and on their return the walkers all received a medal and then enjoyed bacon butties, sausage baps, tea, coffee and cakes which volunteers had prepared. Merchandise was on sale and we held a raffle.

“This is our 15th year of holding the Relay and our next event is on Fathers’ Day (June 16) at Lydney Park Gardens. All the proceeds from the gate will go to charity and we’ll have stalls and refreshments. Two weeks after that is our main event on June 29 and 30 at Freedom Leisure in Lydney.

“I’d like to thank everyone who helped out, took part or supported us and we’d like to thank the Forestry Commission for letting us hold the third Relay Ramble.”

For more information, to sign up for the Relay for Life or to donate, visit https://fodrelay.co.uk/News/get-involved-