Runners celebrated the first anniversary of the Great Notley parkrun with a burst of colour.

The free, weekly 5km event usually attracts about 150 runners of varying abilities.

Race director Len Martin said: “We had 216 people and it was a grass skirts and loud shirts themed party.

“It was pretty mad, a lovely party atmosphere.”

Mr Marten said the event started a year ago with just 30 participants.

Since then there have been 1,488 different runners, including participants from 98 athletics clubs, who have completed a total distance of 27,600km.

He said: “We are also launching a junior version of the parkrun that will be a much shorter event, especially for kids.”

The 2km event will be held on July 19.

For more information visit facebook.com/greatnotleyparkrun?fref=ts.