a record turnout set off on this year’s Westbury Lions 10k run on Sunday, with 127 entrants, some coming from as far away as Bristol.

Starting and finishing at the White Horse Country Park in Westbury, the route of the run crossed the lower slopes of the horse, heading towards Bratton along the bridleway and back along Capps Lane.

The route was extended this year to ensure it met the target distance, after 2011 runners found themselves crossing the finish line 200m short.

The winner and fastest male runner was Brendan Deveney, a 23-year-old Army mechanic from Matravers Close, Westbury, who finished in a time of 37 minutes and 47 seconds.

He said: “I do quite a lot of running, I have to be fit as I do PT sessions for the lads doing pre-para training with P Company, but it is the first time I have done this race.

“I enjoyed the run and it was a nice route, although it could do with a few more hills. I had a bit of a cold as well, so I’ll do it quicker next year.”

Mr Deveney was closely followed by fastest male veteran runner Gary Eagle, of Nunney, who came in just six seconds later, with a time of 37 minutes and 53 seconds.

The fastest female award was presented to Julia Zakrzewski of Bath, who finished with a time of 40 minutes and 25 seconds.

Lions president David Firth said the event had raised more than £700 for local charities and community projects.

He added: “We had double the number of entrants that we had last year, so we are most grateful to all our runners and their supporters.

“We were lucky with the weather again, as well. There was a little mist, so it was cool, then the sun came out, shining at the end of the race. A lovely day.

“We certainly hope to run it again next year.”