WITTON Country Park was taken over by more than 360 'elves' during their charity fun run.

Mums, dads, youngsters and the elderly, dressed in their best elf costumes, set off on their 'mental elf' 5K run from the park's race track in Blackburn on Sunday.

Organised by Lancashire Mind, the event aimed at raising awareness about mental health and encouraged people to get out and be active.

A festive market with a variety of hot food and gift stalls was also set up near the park's race track.

Gill Green, who took part in the fun run with her family, said: "It's a fantastic idea and I have loved coming.

"The rain doesn't put us off - where else would you want to be on a Sunday morning.

"It's great to see so many people turn up."

Philip Hardman said he wanted to help promote awareness of mental health and thought the fun run was a great way of doing so.

He said: "It's all about having fun and enjoying yourself.

"Everyone who comes to these events always has a smile on their face and it makes you feel good."

Last year's race raised more than £10,000 and the charity aimed on reaching that number again.

Fabienne Clough, funds co-ordinator at Lancashire Mind, said: "We want people to be encouraged to become active as it does help your mental health in so many ways.

"Its a fun run, not a race, you can run, walk, skip or hop your way round if you like, as long as you enjoy it and feel good doing it.

"We always get a great attendance and I would like to thank every runner who came along despite the wet weather.

"Everyone involved in organising the run did a fantastic job."