STORMY weather didn’t stand in the way of more than 100 runners who tackled a 5K course and raised nearly £1,000 as they commemorated the centenary of the end of the Great War.

The second annual Red Petal Run took place at Mallard’s Pike with participants as young as five years old.

Run organiser Mark Evans said: “This year was a special event as it marked the centenary of the end of World War One next month, so we designed a special medal to present to all participants who completed the course, whether they ran, walked or plodded around.

Mark, who organi- sed the run with Dave Turner on behalf of the Cinderford Branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL), added: “We are proud to have hosted a successful Red Petal centennial fun run this year and the feedback was great.

“Storm Callum was not going to stop the attendance at the run and the turnout was fantastic despite the rain.

“We had about twice as many people as last year with some extras turning up on the day too. There were many happy faces at the finish line when the medals and personalised certificates were handed out.

“We were grateful for all of the support shown to the branch for this event, from the efforts of the participants, to the spectators and volunteers from the branch.”

Geoff Jones, branch chair, said: “The money raised was nearly £1,000, which is an amazing amount.

“This will be used to assist the branch with providing financial, social and emotional support to members, veterans within the community and their families and dependants as well as providing a donation to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and assisting with our future branch events.

“We would also particularly like to thank Lucozade Ribena Suntory who provided the drinks, the Forestry Com- mission for allowing the event to go ahead and Pedalabikeaway and Go Ape for providing discounts at the café and at the venue.”

For details on how to become part of the Cinderford RBL branch, visit www.facebook.com/rblcinderford or find the branch at www.britishlegion.org.uk