MORE than 200 walkers, runners and cyclists braved the chilly conditions to attempt the 16th Stockbridge Cross Country Fun Event.

Participants tackled either the off-road eight-mile course or the easier road-based three-mile course to raise more than £1,500 for charity.

It was the biggest turnout so far for the event, which was set up in 1986 by Mike Crossman to raise money for George Skeates and his family. Mr Skeates, an international sidecar cross passenger, was paralysed following an horrific accident in October 1985 and spent many months in the spinal injuries unit at Odstock Hospital.

The fun run became an annual event to raise money for INSPIRE, the Odstock-based charity for spinal injuries. Since 1994 Wessex Heartbeat has also benefited, following the death of Mike Cross-man from a heart attack.

Organiser Jeremy Crossman, Mike's son, said conditions on Sunday morning were bright and beautiful, al-though some areas of the course were rather slippery from the over-night frost.

Despite the added challenge, everyone enjoyed themselves. He said: "The event was a great success and attracted a good range of entrants, from the really competitive to those who just wanted to walk along the course with their dogs. The emphasis is on having fun and I'm already looking forward to next year's event."

Mr Crossman gave special thanks to Stockbridge police, local landowners, raffle prize donors and, not least, the 'unsung army of volunteers' who helped make the event possible.

Once again, the first runner home from the eight-mile course was Stuart Anderson in 49 minutes and 53 seconds while Lee Gardner was the first rider home in 36 minutes and 23 seconds.

In the three-mile run, Andy Gannaway led the field, completing the course in 21 minutes and 44 seconds while Dennis Mapp was first home for the riders in 15 minutes and 46 seconds.

Results Eight mile run: 1st Stuart Anderson (49.53 mins); 2nd Malcolm Riddle (51.94 mins); 3rd Daniel Heggs (52.24 mins). 1st woman: Kim Nelson (57.48 mins). Eight mile ride: 1st Lee Gardner (36.23 mins SETRA prize winner); 2nd Kevin Harrington (37.45 mins); 3rd Michael Taylor (37.53 mins); 4th Nick Adnitt (37.53 mins). 1st woman: Emma White (40.48 mins). Three mile run: 1st Andy Gannaway (21.44 mins); 2nd Tony Lees (24.90 mins); 3rd Hannah Gordon (26.54 mins). Three mile ride: 1st Dennis Mapp (15.46 mins); 2nd Dean Whitlock (21.49 mins); 3rd Mrs Nicky Down (23.50 mins); 4th Dave Tomlins (23.59 mins). Spot prize winner: Les Batten.