Entries were disappointing for the Upton 10km road race and 6km fun run on Sunday with a total of 26 runners competing in both events.

The decline from last year's field of 58 was believed to have been due in part to a clash with the Stratford Half-Marathon, which accounted for the absence of many of the regular club runners.

However, organisers Nick and Lyn Dee are determined to maintain the fundraising event as a fixture on the local sporting calendar on the last Sunday in April.

Both races started and finished at Hanley Castle High School, which shared the proceeds from the £5 entry fee with Acorns Children's Hospice.

Runners had to battle against blustery winds and occasional showers, with victory in the men's 10km going to Simon Hall in a time of 40mins 20secs. Second was Stuart Webb in 40mins 48secs with Mick Monaghan third in 42mins 23 secs. The first woman home was Theresa Sandercock in 53mins 21secs, ahead of Patricia Wyatt-Davies in 1hr 7mins 41secs.

Winner in the 6km fun run was Gary Lewis in 26mins 42secs with Bea and Sophie Dee second in 30mins 8secs.