A RUNNING club in Cirencester has raised more than £2,000 for Cirencester Signpost.

After a year of raising money, Running Somewhere Else presented a cheque to the charity for £2,540.

Celebrating at a club 'away day' in South Cerney, where they ran the Thames path around the Cotswold Waterpark, the runners headed to The Boathouse to present the cheque to Graham Harris, chairman of the charity, and trustee Reverend James Taylor.

Over the last year, the running club have put on numerous fundraisers, including fancy dress running events, prize draws and raffles, as well as their annual club race, the Fairford 10k to achieve their highest fundraising year yet.

Cirencester business St James’ Place also surprised the running club by offering an additional £500 on top of the money already raised.

Club members donated much needed food and toiletries to the charity through the year, as well as volunteering to help serve food at the signpost Christmas meal.

David Whitlow, chair and club coach of Running Somewhere Else said: “As a friendly amateur running club, our members really embrace the efforts we make towards local charities.

"Choosing Signpost to raise money for over the last 12 months was such an easy decision to make after learning about the fantastic work they do for so many people from all walks of life.

"Every year our runners always make a superb effort to take part in all the fun and challenging activities we organise in order to raise as much money as we can for our chosen charity.

"This year had been the most successful fundraising year we have had, and we sincerely hope what we have raised will aid signpost in helping even more local people.”

Cirencester Signpost is a charity run by volunteers, who provide help to those in financial hardship, or face loneliness or mental health problems.

The team support in any way they can, whether it’s providing food and sleeping bags, or being someone to trust and talk to.

Chairman of Cirencester Signpost Graham Harris said: "On behalf of everyone at our charity, our heartfelt thanks for the efforts of Running Somewhere Else for their amazing fundraising activities.

"The monies raised will be directed at the most vulnerable in our community and help to transform lives."

Reverend James Taylor added: "Having just given 140 disadvantaged people a day trip to Weston Super Mare, for the most, the only holiday they will have this year, the donation came at just the right time.

"We’re so grateful for Running Somewhere Else’s support."