A POPULAR fun run has been resurrected after a three-year absence.

The Frinton and Walton Fun Run and Half Marathon, which attracted hundreds of competitors in its heyday, are being brought back by Frinton Rotary Club.

On May 7, scores of youngsters and fun runners are expected to descend on the meadow near Frinton Cricket Club for the start of either a two-mile or 13.1-mile course, which extends along the promenade to the Naze Tower and back.

Money raised will be pumped back into the town through the Frinton Rotary Community Fund.

The long-standing tradition was first launched in 1987 through Tendring Technology College.

Rotarian Chris Opperman said: “We decided to take the baton because it was always a popular event and equally important as far as the Rotary is concerned is getting schoolchildren and young people involved.

“We’re looking forward to having several hundred people take part but we also want a manageable number so we can make everyone’s day organised and fun.

“That’s our baptism of fire as far as the events go and we hope to make it really slick so as the years roll by, the numbers go up.

“It’s also about putting Frinton and Walton on the map and to be able to bolt the two communities together this way is smashing.”

Frinton Rotary Club has pledged to invest in youth and has already donated money to support children in sport and the arts by helping Spotlight Youth Theatre Group and Frinton and Walton Youth Football Club.

They are also urging residents to get involved in where proceeds from the day are spent.

Mr Opperman added: “Any major schemes or projects people care about, we’d like for them to let us know.

“It’s also one hell of a job to organise two events so we’re desperate for people to volunteer on the day because there are only 26 members of the Rotary.

“We’ll need help with water stations, court marshals and car park attendants to make it a real community event bolted together by the Rotary.”

Both events start at 10.30am.

You must be 17 or over to run the half marathon.

For more information and entry forms, visit frintonrotary.org.