SUPERFIT superheroes have completed eight hours of non-stop zumba and circuit training to raise thousands of pounds for cancer charities.

St Mary’s Primary School hall in Chippenham was awash with red, blue and gold as about 60 heroes, including a Wonder Woman and Superman or two, took part in the marathon exercise session on Saturday. And 46 of them took strength from their comic book characters’ costumes, managing to last the whole day.

Among them was one woman, who asked not to be named, who inspired the choice of charity for last year’s event, which raised £4,000 for the Royal United Hospital’s Forever Friends Appeal. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer, but made such a good recovery she lasted the whole eight hours in this year’s event.

It was organised by ATP Health and Fitness, which provides personal training and classes in Chippenham, Corsham, Stanton St Quintin and Bradford on Avon.

Sponsorship money will this time be split between Prostate Cancer UK and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

It is the fourth year the challenge has taken place and ATP hopes to take the combined total to £10,000.

ATP personal trainer Trevor Bramble, who dressed as Captain Underpants, said: “Every year we hold a charity event which aims to raise as much money as possible for those in need of help.

“We attracted just over a dozen people to the first fitness challenge in 2009 but the numbers have been growing.

“Participants ranged from teenagers to pensioners. Some just did a few of the sessions but most like to tackle the whole day.

“It’s very tough and people were shattered at the end, but they also felt elated by the achievement.”

Edelgard Chivers, who organised a raffle to boost funds, said: “It was very col-ourful. I think my favourite was [Top Gear’s] The Stig, and he had his helmet on nearly the whole time.”

Participants ended the day with a social evening and disco at the sports club in Bristol Road.

Donations can be made by visiting www.justgiving.com/ATPcharityevent and www.just giving.com/ATPcharityevent2