HUNDREDS of runners laced up their boots this morning to show their support for a charity which has spent the last ten years caring for Worcestershire children.

A total of 1,001 people took part in this year's Acorn's Triple Run, the tenth triple run to be held at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern on the tenth anniversary of Acorns Children's Hospice's Worcester branch.

And the charity's chief executive, David Strudley, said he is "so proud" that the charity receives ever-growing support as the years go by.

Mr Strudley said: "It is wonderful that this event has been going for ten years now, and over those last ten years runners have raised an incredible £350,000 for Acorns.

"I think that as well as the people who run to support us, it has become a really good regular event for people who want to compete.

"It's a super family event with courses to suit everyone, and as well as the runners who come out, we also have so many volunteers who give their time to making the event run smoothly.

"I want to thank everyone who supports us and we hope they will support the run for years to come."

Runners could take part in either the 1km, 5km Woodland Trail or Malvern Half Marathon, which all set off at 10.30am.

Taking part in his tenth Triple Run, Maurice Taylor said the weather this year was much better for running in than last year's "boiling temperatures".

Mr Taylor has taken part in the event since it began, as his way of thanking Acorns for the care given to his son, Adam.

Emily Gardner took part in the 1k run this year along with eight-year-old daughter, Hailey.

Mrs Gardner, who was being cheered on by husband Ian and five-year-old son, George, took up running three years ago.

"I ran the half-marathon last year and it was brilliant. I run because I enjoy it but it's also good to know you are supporting such a great charity.

"When I started running I was 15-and-a-half stone but I was inspired to run by a friend who had lost a lot of weight doing it. So I did and I've lost so much weight, and Malvern is a truly beautiful place to run in. This year Hailey is coming with me because I really want her to get in to running."

Three-year-old Malvern boy Charlie Hollingworth, who has a life-threatening mitochondrial disease, also took part in the event, completing 100 metres using his walking frame.