HUNDREDS of runners descended on Catterick Racecourse for a colourful charity challenge in aid of a hospice service.

Participants ran a 5k gauntlet of paint cannons as the second annual Colour Run was staged in aid of the Northallerton-based Herriot Hospice Homecare.

Around 300 runners of all ages took part and many ended up covered head to toe in brightly coloured powder paint.

Refreshments were provided by Sewell Smoke and Grill, with well-deserved ice-creams served by the award-winning Brymor Dairy.

Meanwhile, DJ Zak Zuul kept the crowds entertained with a steady stream of tunes.

Sarah Harrison, of the Herriot Hospice Homecare fundraising team said the event had been a success.

“It was a great day and everyone had a great time,” she said.

“This was the second one after we held our first Colour Run last year.

“We don’t yet know how much was raised this time, but last year’s raised around £5,000 so we are hoping for a similar amount again.”

Herriot Hospice Homecare provides at-home care services for people with terminal illnesses in Northallerton and the surrounding area.