A TEST Valley village came together at the weekend when hundreds of people took part in a fun run across their community.

The sun beamed down on Awbridge when it hosted its first ever fun run on May 7 in a replacement to their annual village fair.

Organised by the Awbridge District Village Association (ADVA) more than 200 competitors took part in either a 2km or 6km route along trails through the countryside around the village near Romsey.

As an added incentive the 206 Signal Squadron from Bulford were on hand to help marshal the routes and gee up the runners as they negotiated fields of bluebells, lambs and the odd spot of mud.

Competitors aged from just a few months old hitching a ride with their parents to 82-year old Roger Barker who beat the hilly 6km course.

Those who took part either ran for charity or simply for fun and enjoyed a barbecue at the Awbridge Village Hall afterwards.

For those with the energy left, and with the 206 Signals assistance, an assault course was created involving football skills, an army camo net, 75ft inflatable obstacle course and a lot of water which was enjoyed by the children who took part.

Peter Allen of ADVA thanked landowner Brian Raines for providing the land for event, and members of the 206 Signals Squadron, Romsey Fast Fit, and Taurus Hampshire for their support.

He said “It was an absolute raging success. It really was good. Everybody was going round with a smile on their face. We hope to hold the event again.”

He added: “It was a great family day organised by the Awbridge District Villagers Association (ADVA) and with lots of help and support from the community to make it happen."