AROUND one thousand fundraisers painted the town red - and a whole host of other colours - over the weekend.

Up to £25,000 is expected to be raised for St Michael's Hospice following the Paint Runner event which took place on Hereford's King George Playing Fields on Saturday.

The fundraiser sees entrants pass five colour-blasting stations over a three-mile course.

Hundreds of spectators turned out to watch the fun, while DJ Roddy Hankins entertained competitors and those looking on.

The Bartestree-based hospice says the event is inspired by the global 'Colour Run' craze and celebrates health, happiness and creativity.

"The day is all about having fun with friends, family and like-minded people of all ages," said Matthew Ashcroft, events manager at St Michael's.

"St Michael’s Hospice is only able to provide the best quality care because of the incredible support we receive from the Herefordshire community.

"The Paint Runner has helped us to raise funds to provide vital services and has enabled us to give something back to the community.

"Everyone involved in putting on the event has been blown away with the feedback from people who have told us they had the most wonderful of days."

He said the hospice would like to thank everyone who took part, including event sponsors Speller Metcalfe.

One of those filming the event was Andrew Berekdar.

"Suddenly Hereford became more exciting and more colourful than the centre of London or Brighton," he said.

"It was just amazing to see the joy in people’s faces as whole families came together and enjoyed something truly spectacular.

"It shows that the Herefordshire community is filled with amazing people, all of whom enjoyed the extraordinary carnival atmosphere, whilst supporting their hospice."

Anyone wishing to take part in next year's event can be placed on the priority entry list by emailing event@st-michaels-hospice.org.uk