DEDICATED runners will feel like they are walking on air after learning they have raised almost £2,000 after a Walk for Water event in Culcheth.

Around 30 people, including a nine-year-old boy and someone in their early 60s, braved a chilly winter's day on Sunday to complete a sponsored walk around the village.

Co-organiser Graham Driver, aged 41, from Ellesmere Road, said around half opted for the 13.1 mile half marathon' route while the rest went for the 8.5 mile power walk option.

"It was a brilliant, bright winter's day and everyone either went round the course or helped out marshalling it and manning a water stop," said Graham, a member of Spectrum Striders running club.

"Everyone went to The Harrow pub at the end for a bowl of soup to warm their muscles up!

"I'd like to express my thanks to everyone for their efforts and helping raise the money."

This was the second year the event has been held in Culcheth and takes the total raised so far to around £5,000.

It will be given to WaterAid, a charity which provides safe water and sanitation for people in 17 of the world's poorest countries.

"My wife, Amy, got into power walking to keep fit and wanted to do something for charity," Graham explained.

"She decided on a half marathon becuase those sorts of distances reflect the long walks people in places like Africa, usually women, have to make just to fill a container with water for their homes."

To find out more visit wateraid.org