A CHARITY fundraiser put the fun back into running on Sunday.

Children and adults, with some in fancy dress, took to the roads in Bury to raise money for the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust.

Organisers said the sixth annual five-mile run from the Bolholt Country Park Hotel was the best ever and on track to raise thousands for the charity which provides a lifeline for leukaemia victims.

Carol Snowden, secretary of Bury Friends of Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust, said: "The weather could not have been better and we had 40 people sign up to take part in the race on the day, taking the number of runners to 140 which was great."

The route took runners from the hotel to Walshaw Cross, Bolton Road, along Stephen Street, and back on to Walshaw Road and the hotel where they enjoyed the afternoon in the grounds.

A number of winners picked up spot prizes, including one who won the use of a sports car for a weekend.

Carol added: "Many of the runners showed their support for England in Euro 2004 by wearing the colours, and we even had some emus!

"The Bolholt put on party including a bouncy castle and a barbecue and provided a masseuse for the runners.

"We raised £1,700 on the day and once all the sponsorship money comes through we will have raised between £5,000 and £6,000 for the trust."