FUN runners painted a North-East park all the colours of the rainbow as they raised vital funds for a leading autism charity.

Darlington’s South Park was transformed into a riot of colour as hundreds of runners, joggers and walkers were pelted with powder paint as they made their way around a 5km course.

More than 600 runners of all abilities took part in the inaugural event hosted by the North-East Autism Society (NEAS) to raise funds for a specialist education centre.

Despite a few hiccups, with some runners being sent the wrong way round the course, Lisa Taylor, senior marketing officer at the charity, hailed the event a success.

She said: “It is the first one to be held in Darlington and everyone seems to have really enjoyed it.

“It has brought staff at the charity together, and some of our service users have also taken part.

“For them to take part is a huge achievement in itself. As part of their autism many get quite anxious in crowds so for them to take part is a great achievement.”

Dubbed Run the Spectrum, the event aimed to generate about £15,000 for the charity while raising awareness of the autism spectrum.

Running with Jill Richardson and Lorraine Fucile, manager and assistant manager at the NEAS, were Mark Nicholson, 23, and James White, 22, who are autistic.

Ms Fucile said: “We are really proud of them. They liked getting covered in paint.”

About 200 children also took part in the event, including two-year-old Shay Malcolm, from Newton Aycliffe who was running with his parents, Scott and Angela.

Mr Malcolm said: “It is our first family run and our first charity event together. It was nice to get involved as some of Angela’s friends have children with autism.”

Eleven-year-old Lydia Stoker, from Sunderland, was the first youngster home, closely followed by her father, Brian, who is head of care at the NEAS.

Mr Stoker, 46, said: “Lydia runs with Sunderland Harriers and she wanted to come and support the charity. I am very proud of her.”

Many runners had their own personal reasons for taking part, including Samantha Corner and Julie Martin, from Darlington, whose sons, Elliot and Ethan have autism.

Ms Corner said: “It is a fantastic charity and is a bit of fun."

Organisers hope to repeat the event next year. For more information on the NEAS visit ne-as.org.uk