FANTASTIC! That was the verdict following last weekend's Sourton Scramble, which saw a record number of runners from as far away as Kent and Milton Keynes tackle the new, 10k course.

Alison Horn, who organised the event with Alison Ewen, said she was delighted with the way the run went.

'We had a really successful day — we had the most entrants ever, we made the most money ever, it was brilliant.

'It was the first year of our brand new course and the big hill was a killer, it really sorted out the men from the boys!'

The race was started by the mayor of West Devon, Cllr John Hockridge, with the runners setting out on the course which included sections of the Granite Way cycle trail and open moor.

Alison said: 'The runners really enjoyed the course — it wasn't as muddy, which some people actually missed, but it was a beautiful day and the views from the top made it all worthwhile.

'There was a great community spirit, the ladies from the church made wonderful bacon rolls and everyone stayed for ages afterwards — the atmosphere was brilliant.'

Alison said they were 'indebted' to everyone who helped on the day, particularly the marshals and the ladies who provided the refreshments.

'It couldn't have happened without them,' she said.

All the profits from the Scramble will be donated to Sourton Village Hall and Sourton Church.

The race was won by Dan Alsop of St Austell, in a time of 42mins 5 seconds. First local runner across the line was ex-Tavistock Athletic Club member Rob Orton who finished in overall second place in an impressive time of 44mins 24secs. Third was Roger Voaden of Okehampton, in 44mins 29 secs. Rob was followed home by in-form Tavistock club member Chris Champion finishing fifth in a time of 44mins 37secs. George Speak was the next Tavistock runner to finish in overall seventh place and easily winning the under-20 age group. Paul Crease of Okehampton came ninth in 45mins 45secs.

In the ladies' race Sharon Daw finished second in 50mins 52secs and another ex-Tavistock club member Frances McKinnon showed her continually improving form by finishing as the third lady in 51mins 32secs.

First EX20 lady home was Sue Walker of Okehampton in a time of 52mins 45secs.

The Tavistock AC club were also well represented in the fun run with a number of the junior members taking part. Emily Attfield again recorded an excellent result as the first girl to cross the finishing line.