BUDLEIGH Salterton Chamber of Commerce s popular fun run had 125 competitors pulling on their running shoes to run a mile to raise funds for the town s Christmas lights.

BUDLEIGH Salterton Chamber of Commerce's popular fun run had 125 competitors pulling on their running shoes to run a mile to raise funds for the town's Christmas lights.

The run, in its 12th year, set off from the Lime Kiln car park and was started off by Budleigh Salterton Lions Club president Jack Keen.

Phil Crook, from Exmouth Harriers, who, every year since the first fun run, has ensured the competition runs smoothly, was presented with a voucher for his years of hard work and dedication.

Funds raised from the event will be split between the town's Christmas light fund and the Royal National Institute for the Deaf, Budleigh Salterton Co-op's chosen charity.

Budleigh Salterton Chamber of Commerce chairman Alan Tilbury said numbers were lower than last year - adding it was to be expected because of the warm weather.

Mr Tilbury said: "We didn't expect as many because the weather was so nice. We expected people to go to the beach instead, but they turned up. It was an excellent turn out and we were pleasantly surprised.

"The chamber of commerce would like to thank the Lions Club for holding Gala Week so we can run this event."

The chamber of commerce also thanked anyone who helped with the event, including Sean Blyth, Pauline Swannell, the police, Anthony's Catering for supplying the barbecue, Daniel K Neaves for sponsoring the medals, Plume for supplying the winners' salvers and the cricket club for the use of its grounds.

Chamber of commerce social secretary Pauline Swannell said: "We would like to thank everybody for turning up and supporting us."

Scores of youngsters and adults set off in an attempt to become first over the finishing line.

Douglas Aitken and Caitlin Bond were the first runners to return in the under-7s group, while Nicholas Smith and Anya Kilburn-Thompson arrived back ahead of the field in the eight to 12-years group.

Simon Hartery and Alison Sage were first across the line in the 13-17 years old group.

The winners of the 19-49 group were Mike Pidgeon and Tracey Shiel and the over 50s race was won by Terry Pearce and Jenny Wasson.