A BAND of charitable runners, walkers and joggers have completed a mammoth fundraising marathon in Gorleston.

The annual Relay For Life, which raises money for Cancer Research, began at 1pm yesterday and continued until 9am today (Sunday).

Dozens of competitors from 13 different teams completed laps of the field at Cliff Park Junior School for the full 20 hours, taking it in turns throughout the race to continuously cover the track.

Everyone involved in the event, now in its fifth year, took part in the closing lap just before 9am and were joined by Great Yarmouth mayor Colleen Walker as they crossed the finishing line.

Jayne King, chairman of the relay, said everyone had enjoyed themselves and there had been a jovial atmosphere throughout.

'It went really well. We had a really good turn out, far better than we think we have had before,' she added. 'We were really pleased with the amount of people that came.'

Supporters were welcome on the field until 10.30pm to join in the fun and enjoy various activities, including live music, a raffle and games, that kept spectators and resting relay-ers entertained throughout the afternoon and evening.

A poignant candle of hope ceremony lit up the track after the sun set and all those present took a moment to pay tribute to those who have been affected by cancer.

Miss King added: 'One of the team members said it was everything it should be, there was emotional bits and fun bits and they were having a good time.'

A final fundraising total has not yet been reached as sponsorship money and pledges continue to be collected.

Since 2008 the event has raised a whopping �150,000 for Cancer Research.