DOZENS of pub regulars and their families turned out for a Beer Belly Fun Run at the weekend – quenching their thirst with ale as they completed five circuits.

Dressed in fancy dress, the runners set off from the Grey Horse pub, in Sherburn Terrace, Consett, on Sunday.

The run comprised five 1km laps of the town, punctuated by half pints, with a full pint at the end.

Local band State Express 5 provided music at the evening event.

Organiser, Ian Pratt said: “This event, now in its fourth year, was started as part of a fundraising series for teacher, Nigel Nattress, a regular at The Grey Horse, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.”

Mr Nattress died in February 2016. This year the event was in aid of the Ear Nose and Throat Unit at Sunderland Royal Hospital, which treated regular Stephen Embleton, 58.

Mr Embleton, said: “I was diagnosed throat cancer just over a year ago. I had two major operations and am in remission. The staff at the hospital were brilliant.” The event has raised about £1,800, so far.