A fantastic blue sky and bright sunshine heralded the start of the first-ever Ross for Sport Relief on Sunday March 25th – the local effort as part of the UK's biggest fundraising event, which gets the nation together to get active, raise cash and to change lives.

A maximum 300 participants entered the one, three or six mile events at Ross with many families competing together, some pushing a buggy and taking the dog for a walk – or both! Lots of people wore fancy dress costumes to add some extra Sport Relief fun.

"The response from the people of Ross was tremendous," said event co-ordinator, Therese Warwick. "Entries were slow but fairly steady at the outset but a last minute flurry took us over our target, which is brilliant. It is fantastic to be able to organise a community event that involves people of all ages. It was great to see toddlers, teenagers, parents and the elderly sharing the same experience."

Anthea McIntyre, Member of the European Parliament for the West Midlands region and David Ravenscroft, Mayor of Ross rang the bell to start off the competitors.

Everything ran smoothly and it was a hugely enjoyable day, which was down to the fabulous team of happy, smiling stewards, who gave up their time on Sunday to volunteer as marshalls on the route, first aiders, help with car parking, distribute water, man the BBQ, sell teas and tidy up.

Particular thanks to Pat Hughes, Chris Ball, Richard Jeffryes, Rachel Billington, the team at Wye-Fit and the local Lions for their support. Congratulations to everyone who took part. Your contribution will make a difference to people living unimaginably hard lives here in the UK and across the world's poorest countries.