CELBRITIES from the small screen were among 3,000 runners who took part in the Great Yorkshire Run.

They streamed through the scenic spa town of Harrogate, which hosted the 10k run for the first time in its ten-year history.

The event, sponsored by the Theakston brewery, started on Montpellier Hill before passing the sights of the Valley Gardens, Harlow Carr Gardens and the town’s famous Stray.

Stars from ITV’s Emmerdale took part including Matthew Wolfenden, Eden Taylor-Draper, Chris Chittell and Tony Audenshaw.

All celebrity runners were supporting blood cancer charity Bloodwise, the official charity of the Great Yorkshire Run and wore the traditional bright running tops on the day.

Chris Chittell - who plays Eric Pollard in the soap - said: “The Great Yorkshire Run has come to such a lovely town like Harrogate for the first time and these fantastic courses are what keep Bloodwise runners returning year after year.

“The atmosphere is amazing and people really make a day of it as well.”

Runners were sent on their way by Britain’s most famous WI members, the real Calendar Girls, who were the event’s honorary starters.

The first male athlete across the line was Harrogate’s own Jason Cherriman, who sprinted home in a time of 32:55, swiftly followed by Joe Sagar in 33:53 with Tristan Learoyd following in third with 34:04.

In the women’s race, Sharon Barlow of Darlington Harriers claimed victory in 37:10 ahead of Ruth Jones in 40:02. Third place was claimed by Rhona Haslam in 41:28.