RUNNERS from across the region donned their trainers at North Yorkshire's most stately of homes to raise money for Cancer Research.

About 1,150 runners converged on Castle Howard to put their best foot forward and take part in this year's Cancer Research UK 10km run.

The magnificent 18th century house, the home of Simon Howard and his family, provided the perfect backdrop for the run for a third year in a row.

TV presenter and model Nell McAndrew started Sunday's race and went on to take part in the event with her mum, Nancy.

Participants were spurred on their way round the course by a string quartet who, despite having cold fingers, played throughout at the Temple Of The Four Winds.

Castle Howard was one of 23 historic venues across the country which opened its doors for the event.

Last year saw 1,250 runners raise more than £60,000 and, although the number of entries this year was slightly down, organisers hoped they would still collect £60,000 when all the sponsor money was gathered in.

Among the competitors were a team of seven men and women from Fitness First at Clifton Moor, York.

Caroline Abbott, Joe Gaunt, Katrina Hall, Rachel Armstrong, Simon Barker, Alan Milligan and Lisa Raine have all been training extra hard to make sure they are in peak condition for the challenge.

Caroline said: "Cancer has touched all of our lives in one way or another and we thought this would be a great charity to support.

"We have been in training and ran round the York walls last weekend, which was hard work up and down all those steps."

The team hope to raise £500 and are well on the way to achieving that goal having already taken part in a sponsored car wash and treated the gym's 50-plus aerobics class to a party of pink food and drink.

Cancer Research's Melanie Heath said: "After the torrential rain on Saturday, we had thought the event might be a bit of a wash-out, but not a bit of it. The sun came out and it was a lovely, crisp autumn day.

"Everybody taking part had a great time and I really would encourage anyone thinking of taking part next year to sign up because the views they get of Castle Howard and its grounds are just breathtaking."

Updated: 09:43 Monday, October 10, 2005