THE Ledbury Chase, a 13-mile multi-terrain race, is well on the way to becoming a regular date in the local runners calender.

In only the second annual running of the race recently there was 130 entries with 123 runners completing the arduous course.

One of the organisers from Ledbury Ruby Club, Terry Folly said: "The run went very well with nearly all the entrants completing the course, which is excellent when you consider it is very testing to the top of Marcle Ridge and the last three fields through Mike Goodwin's Hill Farm are very steep.

"The weather was perfect for a run with some sunshine and a cooling breeze and all the farmers whose land we cross were more than helpful and encouraging so we could not ask for more."

Mr Folly added that the town entry was up ten to 43 which speaks well for the town support, something that they were looking for.

He said: "We had tremendous sponsors in firstly Westons Cider and then Somerfields, Tescos and Countrywide Farmers, and runners have raised around £,7000 for charity. We are looking to build on this success and the signs are good."

The Ledbury team cup, donated to the club this year by Mr and Mrs Folly, was won by the host club and presented to John Wilesmith.

RESULTS from the Ledbury Chase:

Males - 1 Stuart Mills (81.08) Worc Tri Club, 2 Tim Taylor (81.26) Hfd Couriers, 3 David Wilcox (82.34) Worc AC, 4 Peter Richardson (83.34) Worc AC, 5 Colin Lancaster (86.46) Ludlow Runners; MV40 1 Steve Brown, 2 David Burton; MV50 1 Ian Price, 2 Brian Davies; MV60 1 Ken Buckle. Females - 1 Alison Fletcher (90.58), 2 Ann Nixon, 3 Beryl Sampson, 4 Mary-Ellen Simcock, 4 Helen Fines; FV35 1 Hazel Kelly, 2 Amanda Ing; FV45 1 Patricia Matheson, 2 Judy Nutting; FV50 1 Jenny Mills. First Team - Worcester AC (David Wilcox, Peter Richardson, Michael Young). Second Team - Gloucester AC (Ian Summers, Neil Scowby, Beryl Sampson). First Team from Ledbury - Ledbury RFC.