ATHLETES stepped out to raise money for a host of charities and good causes in the annual Danesfield Fun Run last weekend.

The event, now in its 14th year, gives runners the chance to boost the funds of their chosen organisation and enjoy a 2.5-mile round trek to Watchet at the same time.

A total of 120 runners took part, with some donning fancy dress to make the event more challenging.

And first past the post to take the overall winner's title was Matthew Bowden.

The Middleton family took first prize in the fancy dress category by turning back the clock with their 'Flower Power' entry.

Disco divas Daisy Pollard and Emily Devine were runners-up and Erin Lovell, Chloe Collings and Courtney Ryan won third place by dressing as animals.

Organiser Nigel Ridler and his wife Janet made it a family affair by both putting on their running shoes together for the first time after handing her administrative duties for the event to someone else gave Janet the chance to take part.

And both were in the honours line-up, with Nigel taking the title of first man in the over 50 category to cross the finishing line, while Janet was the first woman in the same age range.

Nigel finished 16th overall, while Janet was placed 27th in the field.

And Carl Winch, newly appointed principal of the Quantock Academy, which includes Danesfield, was also among the competitors, finishing in 30th place.

"Everything went very well and the event was a great success," said Nigel.

"Hopefully those who took part will have raised lots of money for their chosen causes."

Results in 1,2,3 order:

Adult 50+ male – Nigel Ridler, Chris Mitchell, Mark Mossman; adult 50+ female – Janet Ridler, Michelle Craggs, Mrs K Stroud; adult 35+ male – Paul Mote, Darren Towells, Simon Binding; adult 35+ female – Liz Mitchell, Caroline Sweeney, Corrie Chilcott; adult male – Matthew Bowden, Danny Doyle, Adrian Chick; adult female – Leanne Ross, Emma Taylor, Gemma Edwards; years nine, ten and 11 male – Liam Hoyle, Harvey Wright, Harvey Jones; years nine, ten, 11 female – Jen Wedlake; years seven and eight male – Joshua Humphries, Todd Willis, Archie Kennett; years seven and eight female – Georgina Farmer, Bethany Morby, Elizabeth Towells; years five and six male – Harvey Lovell, Louie Liddle, Finlay Landon; years five and six female – Liberty Nunn, Millie Edwards, Grace Bulpin; first school male – Jacob Howells, Ryan Wilkinson, Thomas Sweeney; first school female – Orlana Sinclair-Short, Courtney Wright, Mae Hughes.

Photos: Paul Scullion