WHILE most people were finishing off the last of the Christmas turkey, these runners braved the cold to raise money for charity.

Witney MP and Conservative leader David Cameron, front centre, was among 129 people who took part in the Great Brook Run, in Chadlington, near Charlbury, yesterday.

Runners of all ages, shapes and sizes – a couple of whom were in fancy dress – raced half a mile along a slippy and muddy footpath from the Tite Inn.

On the race back to the pub, runners jumped into the icy waters of Coldron Brook, and were even plunged into darkness at one point as they scrambled along a culvert.

The annual race was held to raise money for the village school.

Ben Chapman, 16, pictured on Mr Cameron’s left, won the race for the second year running in eight minutes and 30 seconds.He said: “It was very cold but enjoyable.”

Ladies winner Immy Quilley, 14, finished in nine minutes and 28 seconds.

Pensioner Gwyn Osbourne, 73, was the oldest person to take part.

Race organiser James Kelly said this year’s event had the biggest field yet.

He said: “Hopefully David Cameron will be back next year, although he may have to run with his security guards, as he might be Prime Minister.”