LAST year's Worcester City Run raised half the annual budget for the city Samaritans group.

The run raised £20,000 of the annual £40,000 budget for Worcester Samaritans.

Now the charity is appealing for volunteers to take part in this year's half marathon and 10k run in order to raise more funds.

Run organisers have chosen the group as its official charity partner for a second year in a row.

This year's race takes place on Sunday, September 16.

Meg Richards, director of the Worcester Samaritans, said: “We are determined to build on that success.

“We were hugely grateful to everyone who made it possible to raise so much money last year.

"The runners, their families, their very generous sponsors, and the Samaritans team behind the scenes - who worked so hard both before the event and on the day.

"Because it was such a brilliant day, we’re confident that plenty of runners will return and we’d love to welcome even more to the Worcester Samaritans team.

"They can get involved knowing that all of the money raised will be used to deliver vital services here in Worcester and the surrounding area.”

Maggie Stephens completed the 10k run for Worcester Samaritans in 2017 and plans to take part in the event again this year.

She said: "I ran for Worcester Samaritans, a charity close to my heart. It was a brilliant day, with celebrities such as Steve Cram, Tanni Grey-Thompson and inspirational 401 marathon man Ben Smith involved in the event, plus of course local media and so many supporters.

“You didn't have to be a honed athlete to take part, you just needed to have the motivation to participate, and the thousands of spectators along the route cheering us all on helped make it a truly memorable event.

"It was just great - so much so that I'm doing it again this year.”

Worcester City Run founder Steve Cram was impressed by the fundraising efforts of Worcester Samaritans last year.

He said: "It was great to see so many runners in the charity’s distinctive green vest.

"It’s important to us that the Worcester City Run supports a local good cause like this, in a city that has embraced our event so warmly." 3,200 people took part in last year's event.

Entries for this year’s events are now open at www.worcestercityrun.com.