Hundreds turn out for rRyton Race and Ramble

The Ryton Race and Ramble was held to raise cash towards repairing a roof at the ancient St Andrews Church in Ryton, near Shifnal.

The church needs to raise almost £50,000 to carry out the work.

The event was organised by the Friends of St Andrews Church and Telford Athletics Club and took place on private farm land not usually open to the public.

The race started and finished at Cosford Grange Farm Shop.

There was a 10km race for runners and a 2km fun run.

Families also took part in a 10km sponsored walk.

And for those not up for running, there were pony rides, a display of vintage farm machinery and refreshments.

Organiser Nellie Sanders said: "We had a good response to the race considering it was the first time the event had been held.

"We had 112 finishers. The childrens' race also went well and some won tickets to Gulliver's Kingdom.

"The weather was absolutely beautiful. We were fortunate to escape the snow.

"And there was lots of other stuff going on as well like pony rides and went down well."

Mrs Sanders said she didn't know if the event would be repeated next year.

She added: "It was meant to be a one-off so we will see if it happens again."

There was a minimum of £10 sponsorship for the fun run and an £8 entry fee for the 10km race.

All money raised is going to St Andrews Church in Ryton, which is raising money for a new roof.

The church needs £47,000 to repair the roof and preserve it for the future.

A spokesman for the Friends of St Andrews Church said: "The cornerstone of the local community, St Andrews Church is the parish's oldest and most historical building.

"Sadly it's also the most vulnerable. That's why the Friends of St Andrews Church, Ryton and Grindle have come together to start the Raise The Roof Appeal in the aim of raising money so that vital repair works can be made before it's too late and ultimately has to close.

"Repair costs have been identified at £105,000, however, with a £58,000 pledge by the English Heritage, our revised target has been set at £47,000."

First over the line in the 10km race was Telford Athletic Club's Robin Sedman-Smith in a time of 40 minutes and nine seconds.

Second was James Hughes of Birmingham University 42 minuets and 30 seconds and third was Claire Martin three seconds later.

Event organisers thanked the volunteers who had helped to marshal the route for runners.

Following The River Worfe, the 10km route passed through the magnificent Hatton Grange Estate.

Ryton Church was Listed Grade II in 1984.

The listing confirms the building as early 18th century but with evidence of earlier medieval construction.

The church is also selling merchandise to help reach its total, including tea towels, photo cards and notelets.

The Friends of the Church said it was vital that the building was not forced to close.

A spokesman for the appeal fund said: "It is the single most important building in the parish in that it is the oldest, most historical and the only survivor of the golden half square mile that has defined Ryton's heritage.

"It is the only public building in the parish of Ryton and Grindle and as such defines Ryton as an ancient village, provides the sense of community, and the focus for the secular and non secular activities of the wider parish.