More than 500 fundraisers, young and old alike, entered the tenth annual Hunny Bell Cross Country at Stody Estate, near Holt,

North Norfolk News: Hundreds of runners took part in the fundraiser in February. Picture: MARK BULLIMOREHundreds of runners took part in the fundraiser in February. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

A record number of runners have helped smash a children's charity's fundraising target.

More than 500 fundraisers, young and old alike, entered the tenth annual Hunny Bell Cross Country at Stody Estate, near Holt, in February.

And together they were thought to have raised more than £5000 for Sheringham-based charity Break.

However, now that all the sponsorship is in and the cash has been counted, it has emerged that they have in fact raised double that - £10,000 - taking their total for the past 10 years to £49,000.

Charlie MacNicol, from the Stody Estate, said: 'We are delighted that Break has raised this fantastic sum through the charity cross-country run on Stody Estate. Break's excellent work throughout Norfolk needs all our support and the success of the day is a testament to the hard work of the charity and all the organisers. A huge congratulations to you all and we look forward to welcoming you back next year.'

Break supports young people in care, children and young people with disabilities, families in need of support, and children at risk.

Race co-ordinator Sarah Bunn said: 'We couldn't run this event without the support of the MacNicol family, the sponsorship of The Hunny Bell, the amazing volunteers from the North Norfolk Beach Runners, the army of Break volunteers, the magnificent runners and the Course Director, Ross Haddow. Entries shot through the roof this year, meaning a slightly altered course to cope with the phenomenal turnout.'

The charity's next big fundraiser is a bike ride, with options to cycle 30, 60 or 120 miles, all starting and finishing in Kings Lynn, with the longest route including a turn at Cromer. Meanwhile, Stody gardens will host a family fun day every Sunday in May, from 1pm to 5pm, and a Boutique Festival on May 22.

And the date for next year's Hunny Bell Stody Cross Country has been confirmed as Sunday, March 5.