About 280 competitors took part in Sunday’s Houghton Trail, which included mountain bike riders, walkers, tandem riders and even one on a unicycle. They raised £2,300 for Houghton’s church.

Organisers Fiona and Rod Evans organised the event and they said a record number of competitors took part in the fundraiser that will help with the All Saints Church projects.

Former ITV World of Sport presenter Dickie Davies was on the start line to send the competitors off around the village on cycle and running challenges.

Fiona said: “We have received heart-warming feedback from those who took part who have heartily praised the marshals and helpers. Our most appreciative thanks go to all the volunteers engaged in this event. The help and generosity received from everyone is what makes this event so successful.

“We had a record turnout, especially in the 14km cycle. Freddy Evans, aged 13 was the 14km-cycle winner and 1st Junior for the third consecutive year. A new 31km cycle course record was set by Christopher Clarke in an astonishing time of 1:08:10 seconds, beating the record by 4 minutes and 18 seconds.”