FUN runners darted through woodland in Kennington as villagers celebrated the 25th anniversary of their annual race.

Hundreds turned out for the Bagley Wood Fun Run and Walk on Sunday, which was organised by group Kennington Overseas Aid.

Families and dogs gathered on the Forest Side grounds to help raise thousands for charity Standing Voice, which supports people with albinism in Africa.

Kennington Overseas Aid chairwoman Marilyn Farr said it was important for residents to raise money for good causes abroad as well as support their own community.

She added: “I think it expresses something about a lot of people who live in Kennington, who have been concerned about other parts of the world.”

Fundraisers of all ages raced, jogged and walked 3.5 miles through the woodlands under the scorching summer sunshine.

The fun run was one of a series of events organised to raise cash for UK charity Standing Voice.

Ms Farr said each year members of Kennington Overseas Aid, which has been running for 46 years, choose a different good cause to support.

She added: “The fun run is a special event and we were really lucky with the splendid weather this year.”

IT manager Richard Bryan said he decided to tackle the course after enjoying taking part in previous fun runs.

The 61-year-old said: “It was about as tough as I expected. I found it quite fun because it’s a local run.”

Chloe Painton took part with mother Jodie Painton, 38, cousin Bethany Mulvany, 17, and grandfather Peter Mulvany, 66.

The six-year-old, from Kennington, said: “It was my first time. I was really excited and a little bit nervous.”

Simon Hutchens basked under the sunshine with 12-year-old son Billy, while partner Clare Davies completed the route through the woods.

The 54-year-old, from Abingdon, said: “Clare likes to run and Standing Voice seemed like a really good charity to run for.”

Hermione Jewell, 12, from Radley, who ran with her dad Mark Jewell, said: “It’s a family tradition for me and dad to run together in the Bagley Wood Fun Run and we are alway happy to raise money for charity.”

Kennington Overseas Aid vice-chairwoman Sylvia Vetta said the group could struggle to operate in the future unless more people support their fundraisers.

She added: “To keep it going, we need young people to come in or else it will die. Whether next year can be the same depends an awful lot on if we can attract other people.”

The group is set to host an Open Gardens Day and a Grand Fete later this month to raise funds for its chosen charity of the year.

See koa.org.uk