AS fundraising fever gripped the nation this week, the people of West Devon played their part, digging out their running shoes for the Okehampton's Sport Relief Mile.

The Okehampton Mile is the major Sport Relief event for West Devon, and took place in the grounds of Okehampton College and Simmons Park on Sunday. The event generated £1,500 just in donations and entries on the day, with the final total from additional sponsorship yet to be totalled.

Organiser David Hocking said he was was delighted with the day's events.

'It was a wonderful, wonderful day. The weather helped, and we had well over 400 runners taking part throughout the day.

'It was a fantastic atmosphere yet again. I don't know how it happens each year, but it was wonderful to see everyone with smiling faces and enjoying themselves.

'We had such a range of people taking part, from babies to OAPs, and there were some really bonkers fancy dress, with a team of cavemen, and for some reason, lots of people in kilts and black wigs. All of that adds to the day.'

The day's events were officially started by West Devon Olympic hopeful Georgina Geikie, hoping to represent Team GB in pistol shooting, and the day was full of fun-running and fundraising.

Alongside the running, a number of local organisations including OCRA and Fairtrade Okehampton supported the event with attractions and music in the park.

David pointed out how important the support of local organisations is to the event: 'I owe great thanks to the Okehampton United Charity again, for making the event possible. They support so many causes and people in the area and quietly go about their business, and it is a fantastic thing to have.

'Okehampton College and Simmons Park let us use the grounds for free, which is also a massive weight off your shoulders, and we thank them for that.

'It is great that everyone is so happy to support what is really a worthy cause, helping such a wide range of people here and abroad through disasters, or supporting sports clubs, or the elderly. So many people benefit.

'It was bittersweet as it is my final time organising the Sport Relief mile. I shall be handing over the reins. It started back in 2006, and to use a bad pun, I have had a very good run for my money.

'It is nice to think it will continue and keep growing.'

David also expressed his thanks to Simon Ford for being PA and helping with the music, and to all the local organisations and people who took part and helped make the day so successful.