A NORTH-EAST running club completed a momentous relay this weekend to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the opening day of the Battle of the Somme.

Members of the Durham-based Elvet Striders ran 150 miles from Accrington, in Lancashire, to Durham Cathedral.

They are raising money for the Royal British Legion and are also making a donation to The Northern Echo’s campaign to create a lasting battlefield memorial to honour the bravery of County Durham soldiers who gave their lives on the Somme.

The 18th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry – better known as the Durham Pals – were slaughtered on the opening day of the battle.

The idea of the run came from club member Peter Bell, who owes his life indirectly to the sacrifice of another on the first day of the battle.

Mr Bell said: "This year’s summer run stretches back into history.

"These connections are strong for me as I grew up listening to first-hand stories of the First World War from my great-grandfather Captain Bart Endean, who served with the Accrington Pals.

“As he lined up to go over the top on the first day of the battle of the Somme his Sgt Ben Ingham helped him on with his kit.

“Ben was a keen runner from Burnley and for many years an active member of Burnley Lads’ Club and secretary of the local harriers running club.

"At that moment, 7 am, on the 1st of July 1916 a shell had blew up the dugout where

Sgt Ingham and Cpt Endean stood.”

Cpt Endean's wounds were superficial but Sgt Ingham had been badly wounded and later died in hospital.

Mr Bell, of Durham, said: “Had Sgt Ingham not taken the brunt of the explosion my great grandfather may not have survived and therefore the family line would have been brought to an abrupt end.

“Ben gave his life on that day and as a result I am here to enjoy the same thing he did. Running.

"Cpt Endean did survive the war and as the generations passed the stories of that day remained. What could be a fitting tribute 100 years on?

"A chance to link people already joined by history. Most importantly a once-in-a-lifetime chance to remember the sacrifices made by these young men.”

The Elvet Striders were joined by members of the Burnley Athletics Club for the first part of the run yesterday (Saturday), which continued toward Malham, Horton in Ribblesdale and then Hawes, where some camped overnight. Today (Sunday) they took in Thwaite, Keld, Tan Hill, Bowes and Barnard Castle finishing at Durham Cathedral.

The Elvet Striders fundraising page can be found at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StridersSommeRun.

To support the appeal Northern Echo’s appeal donate via www.crowdfunding.justgiving.com/sommememorial or send cheques payable to Former Charities Of The Durham Light Infantry and send them to: The Rifles Durham Office, Elvet Waterside, Durham DH1 3BW.