RUNNERS slipped, slid and bounced their way through a fun-filled obstacle race, all the while being pelted with brightly coloured paint.

Those taking part in Colourama, in Durham, held in support of the city’s St Cuthbert’s Hospice, started off in pristine white shirts but returned in all shades of the rainbow.

More than 600 people took part in the 5km colour run at St Leonard’s field, in Aykley Heads.

Anna Scott, from Crook, who took part with around a dozen other members of the Spectrum gym, in Willington, said: “It’s been getting us all motivated to get out and keep fit. We wanted to do something for a good cause.

“My mum died of cancer which is another reason I do it.

“It’s been amazing.”

Laura McKenzie, from the hospice, said: “It’s been absolutely amazing. We’ve had lots of people who have done it before coming back and they can’t get enough.

“It’s great to see everyone getting dressed up for the occasion. There is a fantastic atmosphere.”

Last year the event raised £45,000 for the charity, which relies on donations from the public to provide specialist palliative and end of life care to those affected by life-limiting illnesses.

St Cuthbert’s is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and is holding numerous fundraising events to mark the milestone.

Among them is the charity’s midnight walk, last held in 2014, which takes place on September 22 – the official anniversary.