NEARLY 150 brave souls ran off their Christmas turkeys by hurling themselves into Chadlington’s Great Brook.

A record number of people took part in the Great Brook Run – now in its sixth year – to raise money for charity.

The race involves people running just over a mile, starting and finishing at the Tite Inn, with half of the course on land and half along the brook itself.

A total of 148 people took part this year, raising money for Chadlington Memorial Hall, but one of its most famous past participants – Prime Minister David Cameron – did not join in.

Organiser James Kelly said: “The weather has been awful so I don’t know why we have had a record number this year.

“The event is gaining momentum and the publicity is great when David Cameron does take part.”

Mr Cameron, who lives in Dean and is MP for Witney, was in Surrey visiting parts of the country affected by flooding.

This year’s Great Brook Run was won for the fourth year running by 20-year-old Chadlington resident Ben Chapman.

He said: “It was good compared to last year. The water level was a lot lower which meant the brook section was a lot easier. It is always fun and it goes towards a good cause.”

  • Tony Ashby, a New Fathers 4 Justice campaigner, was last night still on hunger strike outside the constituency home in Dean of Mr Cameron. He has pledged to stay there until at least January 2, or until the Prime Minister speaks to him about custody and adoption rules, which he claims are not fair on fathers.