A WORCESTER charity says a special family fun day was a huge success.

The Run To Remember family fun day in September attracted more than 400 entrants for the challenge set up by the Noah's Ark Trust, a Worcester-based charity that helps bereaved children and young people.

Athletes of all ages and abilities took part in events ranging from a 1km (0.6 mile) fun run to a 10km (6.2 mile) race through the Worcestershire countryside.

Community fund-raising manager Mary Irish said so far they had collected almost £4,000 from people taking part - and money was still coming in. "Many of the children dressed up in animal costumes and there were bears, a family of cats, mice, and a family of elephants along with a few dinosaurs warming up to music," said Mrs Irish.

"Lots of the families were remembering loved ones with photos and names displayed.

"At the sound of the klaxon, they released all the balloons and ran through the fields and meadows.

"It was a wonderful sight. Everyone had such fun afterwards with lots of challenges, fun and games".

She added she was grateful to all volunteers and sponsors for their help "Thanks in particular must go to G4S who took the whole event to heart with their representative, Simon Wood, even dressing up as a bear to entertain and join the fun, the countryside centre was a super venue and the Orchard Café catered for visitors all day.

"This amazing support meant that we were able to achieve our goals of raising public awareness of the work of Noah's Ark Trust and raising funds for the charity."

For more information about the Lowesmoor-based charity call 01905 745735 or visit www.noahsarktrust.co.uk