A RANDOM encounter in a supermarket led to famous British skier Eddie the Eagle attending the Forest of Dean Canicross on Sunday.

Event organiser, Briar Morris said he had just finished his shift in Asda Gloucester when he bumped into the sporting star at the checkout and asked if he would be up for the gig.

Briar said: "We were really pleased Eddie could come along, he started the main runners' race and presented medals to all the finishers and prizes to the first three who crossed the finish line.

"Around 130 people turned up, which was more than we expected, and we raised more than £1,500 for the Cinnamon Trust. This was just a one-off event as a lot of work is involved organising it. Everybody had fun and things went as well as it could."

Runners – with and without dogs – ran 6km from Harrow Hill Football Club. The first Forest under-18 runner through was Jack Fleet in 27mins 29secs, the first Forester aged 19-39 in was Marcus Bennetto at 28mins 22 secs, and the first Forest veteran in was Leyton Fleet in 28mins 31 secs.

In the canicross class, the first Forest under-18 runner through was Rowan Faxton in 27mins 56secs, and the second Forest veteran 40 plus was Mark Mazzucca in 28mins 22secs.

All entrants had a goodie bag and rosettes and wine were given. The first three runners all received wine and beer. The canicross winners received dog food and wine.

Briar added: "I want to say a big thank you to my sponsors, marshals and helpers – I couldn't have done it without them."

All the proceeds go towards supporting people in their last years and their animal companions.