A KEEN runner who campaigned to keep her village hall open will be remembered with a fundraising fun run in aid of the community building.

Christine Brass, of Stainton Village, Teesdale passed away suddenly in December, aged 72.

The grandmother and former Teesdale Athletic Club member was born and bred in the village and began her education in the village hall when it was used as a primary school.

And Mrs Brass, along with her husband Barry, cheered on runners in the annual fun run for the last two years after it was set up in 2015 to support the running of the building after Durham County Council stopped funding village halls.

The 5k run and 1.2 fun run will be held on Sunday, September 17 and has been organised by Stainton Village Hall Committee.

Event organiser, Amanda Pettitt, said Mrs Brass was a keen runner and previously completed the Boston Marathon in America but was also passionate about the village hall where she was involved with the youth club for many years.

Mrs Pettitt said: “This year the 5k is being held as a memorial to Christine Brass a villager that sadly passed away suddenly last December.

“Christine was born and spent most her life in the village. Christine went to school in the village, now the village hall, and was a keen supporter of the hall.

“She always attended events held with Barry, her husband, and supported runners cheering them on at the last two year’s runs.”

Mr Brass said: “The family are delighted that Christine is being remembered with the running of this race which is very much appropriate given her love of the village, the hall and running.”

Mrs Pettitt said: “The race is one of the most important fund raising activities for the hall. Without it, the hall could not continue which would be sad given it is the only place and focus for community activities within the village.”

The event is held off-road on land courtesy of Dennis Hinchcliffe and Teesdale Event & Site Services, at Streatlam Farm.

Runners are encouraged to register in advance as there may be limited places on the day.

Race numbers should be collected from the village hall no later than 10am on the day before the 1.2k begins at 10.30am and the 5k at 11am.

All finishers will get a medal and breakfast bun served back at the village hall.

The 5k is £7 to enter and the 1.2k £2.50. For entry forms or further information contact the Committee by emailing spalpet@gmail.com or visit 40 Stainton Village.