A RUNCORN running club is growing from strength to strength.

Run Sandymoor now has hundreds of members and has started kids’ sessions.

The community group has been awarded a grant of just under £1,000 from Sandymoor Parish Council.

Founder Carl Stewart, from Sandymoor, said: “They have seen how we are benefiting the community and encouraging a healthy lifestyle with our different runs which are more inclusive now than ever.”

Runners competed in the Barcelona Half Marathon in February and had 50 competitors in the annual Mad Dog 10k Race.

One group who ran dressed up as the Spice Girls won third prize and was awarded a plaque and prize money by Olympian Jo Pavey.

Run Sandymoor Kids offers sessions twice a week.

Their latest beginners group, Couch to 5k attracted more than 60 people for its first session.

Carl added: “We have many runners of all ages and abilities and we are a really friendly group that continually supports and motivates each other.

“I think the grant goes to show that the local community is grateful of what we are trying to achieve.

“We are really grateful to Sandymoor Parish Council for their award.”