HUNDREDS of children had a spring in their step over the weekend after they took part in the most successful Chippenham May Mile yet.

Zoe Rucker, who has been organising the May Mile for the last eight years, was delighted to see around 600 children get their trainers on for the event at Sheldon and Hardenhuish School on Saturday, which raised more than £2,000 for Youth Action Wiltshire.

"I was sure the event was going to be rained off but the weather was a real treat and it brought out hundreds of runners, which was amazing," she said. "Every year after the event I wake up so tired but glad it went safely but this year I started thinking we could be onto something special.

"As more than 600 runners turned up, I was able to give over £2,000 to Youth Action Wiltshire, which is much more than I have ever been able to give them. We have totted up £9,500 over the last eight years, so we will be able to break through to £10,000 next year easily.

Thousands of people cheered on the runners as they sprinted round the course each of the seven races and the organiser hopes the adrenaline and the occasion has inspired the youngsters to keep fit.

"The atmosphere was mindblowing as there was about 3,000 people there on the day," she added. "I just hope that everyone who took part feels like a million dollars."

Ms Rucker also thanked sponsors Wiltshire Concrete, City Dressing, Sheldon School Enrichment Fund, Park Lane Practice, Abundant Sun, the Olympiad, Serenity Audio and Sporting Billy for their help this year.