HIGH winds and overnight rain failed to dampen the spirits of 230 fun runners and cyclists who tackled an eight-mile cross country course in Stockbridge at the weekend.

Participants at the 17th Stockbridge fun run raised more than £1,500 for Wessex Heartbeat and spinal injuries charity INSPIRE.

Entrants braved the wet weather to complete one of four different courses on foot or by bike.

George Skeates completed the three-mile course in his wheelchair - proving his dedication to the cause after the event was set up 18 years ago to raise money for him and his family.

Linden Softley demonstrated that one wheel is just as good as two by wobbling across the finish line on a unicycle.

Jack Fitzgerald, aged nine, cycled to and from the event with his father Rory and undertook the gruelling cross country course.

Organiser Jeremy Crossman said: "Grip was hard to find in some places on the course, which made it quite technical and very different from the ice encountered on last year's event.

"I'd like to express special thanks for all the helpers, landowners and raffle prize owners involved without which the event would not be possible."

Results Eight mile run: 1st Graham Bath (48.45 mins). 1st woman: Jane Field. Eight mile ride: 1st Lee Gardner (46 mins). 1st woman: Emma White. Three mile run: 1st Andy Gannaway (20 mins) Three mile ride: 1st Shane Skeates (17 mins) Spot prize winner: Norman Howey.