Record broken at village fun run
Hundreds of runners young and old turned out for this year's Bells of Pattingham run. Around 700 people finished the seven-mile course around the South Staffordshire village.
Hundreds of runners young and old turned out for this year's Bells of Pattingham run. Around 700 people finished the seven-mile course around the South Staffordshire village.
The start was delayed to allow all runners to dip their trainers in disinfectant as a precaution against foot and mouth disease.
Tipton Harrier Patrick Kavanagh was first across the line in 39 minutes and 57 seconds – the first competitor in the event's history to come in under the 40-minute mark.
Deborah Walters, from Birchfield Harriers, was the first woman in 43:43.
The annual event was launched in 1990 to raise money to replace the old wooden bell frame in the belfry of St Chad's.
Race secretary Graham Tritton said: "The bells were ringing when the runners crossed the finish line."
Profits from sponsorship and entry fees go to good causes including the church, St Chad's Primary School, the Red Cross, Air Ambulance and Air Cadets.