Almost double the entrants meant double the spectators for this year's Shepton Mallet Fun Run.

Organiser Kaye Watts was delighted with the huge turnout which led to great success for Sunday's event, attracting hundreds of people of all ages from across the region.

She said: "The event was much improved safety-wise this year, with a traffic-free headquarters and a traffic-free route.

"I would like to thank the Shepton Carnival Committee and the police who enforced the closure and helped to make it a much safer race.

"I would also like to thank all the volunteers from the Wells City Harriers and other good friends and colleagues who came to help as marshals, race officials or to give out water and medals. All these people gave up their time for free and the races would not have been possible without them."

Mrs Watts also paid tribute to sponsors Chalmers HB and the Shepton firefighters, whose support made it possible to provide medals and prizes for all competitors, and also to the Scouts for providing the refreshments.

A total of 321 people entered, with 149 taking part in the 10K race and 60 in the 5K. There were 298 finishers in all.

"I guess 23 must have changed their minds somewhere on the way round," said Mrs Watts.

"Many runners have commented on the buzzing and supportive atmosphere this year and I would like to thank everyone who took part."

Winners of the Wacky Relay were the Jelly Babies, a very enthusiastic team from Weston Junior Athletics Club.

Winner of the 1k race (and first overall boy) was Alexander Allen of Team Southampton, with the team prize going to the Shepton Mallet FC team.

Winner of the 5k was Reuben Whitcombe, of Wells City Harriers (WCH), and the team prize went to Mark College.

A special prize was awarded to the Happy Landings team from the animal shelter at Pylle – the "Sweat-4-a-Pet" team – for having the largest ever team entered in the 5K race.

The 10k winner was Steve Masters of WCH and the team prize went to the Somer Ladies of Somer AC.

Results are on the WCH website, at www.wellscityharriers.org.uk, and at www.thisisshepton.co.uk.