MOUNDS of flour mistaken for a hoax anthrax attack have turned out to be markers for cross-country runners.

Police were contacted by worried passers-by who spotted the trail along Droitwich Road and Bilford Road in Worcester on Tuesday - the day after officers dealt with a package leaking white powder at the city's main sorting office.

But it was revealed today that the flour had been put down by the Malvern Hash House Harriers, who use it to guide runners along a circular route from a different pub every Tuesday.

"Flour's used as it lights up in torchlight and is environmentally friendly, because within 48 hours the rain or the insects remove it," said runner Allan Jenkinson, of Claines.

Non-credible

On Tuesday night, the Hash runners - who have been meeting for more than 30 years - followed a route from the Mug House public house, in Claines, into Worcester.

Handfuls of flour were left on Droitwich Road and Bilford Road because they were part of the course.

"We were notified and quickly established it to be nothing dangerous," said Shane Lewis, duty inspector at Worcester Police.

On Monday, police investigated a package at the Wainwright Road mail sorting office in Blackpole. They identified the powder as a "non-credible threat".

In yesterday's story, the Evening News said the Royal Mail had changed name to Consignia.

We would like to make it clear that Consignia is the new name of the Post Office.