HUNDREDS of people flocked to Pitchcroft racecourse for the annual Worcester Carnival 10km run.

Organisers say they received more entries than ever for the race, which was started by Worcester Carnival Queen Jenni Francis.

Worcester Athletics Club (WAC) member Andrew Peach won yesterday's race in 34mins 23secs, ahead of 132 other runners. "It was a very good race, very competitive," said Mark Hill of WAC, which organised the event.

"We had nearly double the number from last year. Because of foot-and-mouth disease there aren't many races."

The 10km run was preceded by a fun run of 1.5 miles, which was won by 11-year-old Edwin Elmhirst, also a WAC member.

The youngest runner in the fun run was four.

"People came from all over the country for the race," said Mr Hill.

The event was one of the first the new Carnival Queen has attended during her year-long reign. Its main aim is to raise money for local charities which the carnival supports.

Anyone interested in joining WAC can contact Mark Hill on 01905 358562.