Service personnel have paid a poignant tribute to those who lost their lives in one of the country's bloodiest conflicts for years.

Eastern Daily Press: The PEd Flight have organised the Afghanistan Memorial Run, which involves service personnel running a mile for each individual that died while serving out in Afghanistan. The event has taken place inside the gymnasium where each person has 10 minutes max to complete the mile on a treadmill. The funds raised will go to the RAF Benevolent Fund, ABF The Soldiers Charity & The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity.The PEd Flight have organised the Afghanistan Memorial Run, which involves service personnel running a mile for each individual that died while serving out in Afghanistan. The event has taken place inside the gymnasium where each person has 10 minutes max to complete the mile on a treadmill. The funds raised will go to the RAF Benevolent Fund, ABF The Soldiers Charity & The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity. (Image: © Crown Copyright 2014: This image may be used for current news purposes only. It may not be used, reproduced or transmitted fo)

Staff at RAF Marham and children from the local schools jointly ran 453 miles, one for each of the servicemen and women who fell on operations in Afghanistan.

The Cherry Infant and Junior Schools and the Rainbow Centre joined in the event, with teachers and pupils braving the rain and icy winds.

The idea was suggested by Flt Sgt Darrel Keane, an RAF Marham physical training instructor, who wanted to do something to pay tribute to the dead.

Sponsorship was raised and all proceeds went to the RAF Benevolent Fund, the Army Benevolent Fund and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.

Money is still being donated but more than £7,500 has already been collected.

Flt Sgt Keane said: 'I am overwhelmed by the support for the Memorial Run.

'The whole Station has got behind the event to make it a very poignant and successful day.

'The atmosphere has been both uplifting and emotive with everyone turning out to show their respects and support the three service charities.'

After the final runs a service took place in the gymnasium which was led by senior chaplain the Rev Wg Cdr Ashley Mitchell.

He said: 'Our hope and our prayer today is that our small efforts, will go some way, to help and support all those whose lives have been irrevocably changed, through loss or injury in recent years.'

He went on to speak of the work done by the three service charities supported in the event.

He added: 'Through our fundraising and their efforts may healing and light be brought to their brokenness and darkness.'