Hundreds of runners battled scorching temperatures to help raise more than £20,000 during a 10k run in a park.

Nearly 800 people braved temperatures of 30 degrees as they took part in the Kelly’s Watford 10k race at Cassiobury Park on Bank Holiday Monday.

More than 300 children also took part in 3k and 1k races.

Hilary Bevan, who took part in the run, said: “It was a fantastic day.

“The hot weather was against us but a fantastically beautiful course.

“I loved the bluebell woodland and there were lots of friendly marshals.”

Kelly’s Storage Charity Events paid for and organised the event and every penny raised went straight to Watford Mencap, a charity which helps and supports more than 800 families by organizing after school clubs for children with learning difficulties.

First place overall in the 10k race was won by Steve Blakey who narrowly beat Matt Woodward by just two seconds in a time of 37minutes and 54 seconds.

Chris Mole came third with a time of 38.51.

The winning woman was Sasha Bekin was just 28 seconds ahead of Wendy Walsh in second place.

Carol Tunstall from Watford Mencap said "We’re so pleased that everyone had a great time.

“Our thanks go to the runners, our volunteers who helped us in so many ways and, of course to Kelly’s Storage Charity Events, who, by covering all the costs of this event and working with us every step of the way have enabled us to reach such an amazing total.”.

People can also enter the Virtual Kelly’s Watford 10k and have until May 21 to complete the event.

Find out more here: https://charity.kellystorage.co.uk/Events/2018/VIRTUAL-EVENT-Kelly-s-Watford-10k

People can also donate online to add to the total raised in the 10k by visiting: https://charity.kellystorage.co.uk/Events/2018/Watford-10k/donate