A TRIO from a Chester-le-Street pharmacy did the Great North Run to promote healthy living.

Middle Chare Pharmacy ‘s pharmacist Ranjeet Khanda, pharmacy manager Paul Jackson, both 28, and the store’s business manager Matthew Welburn, 23, ran the famous half-marathon to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Mr Khanda said: “We did alright. The guys came in in two hours, 13 minutes, I came in in two hours 20.

“It was good. We raised plenty of money for charity and everybody enjoyed it.

“It was a good day there were plenty of people and nice weather or it. It was so warm, it was ridiculous. It was probably the warmest day of the year. The atmosphere was fantastic.

“We don’t know if we will do it again next year but we certainly enjoyed it.

The team raised between £700 and £1,000, with sponsorship from family and friends and patients who use the busy pharmacy.

“We have exceeded our target, “ said Mr Khanda .

“We have had plenty of support from residents and people who come into the pharmacy. They have donated well.

“We promote healthy living in the pharmacy and we want to encourage people to support their local pharmacy

“We are right next to Middle Chare Surgery and we are an important part of the community. We have patients who have been coming here for years.”