Two community nurses took up the challenge of the Great North Run and raised £500 for the Handicapped Children's Pilgrimage Trust.

Anne Coward, 46, and Ruth Thomas, 28, who work for the Airedale NHS Trust completed the gruelling run - the biggest half marathon in the world - to raise funds for Group 58, the local branch of the Trust, which takes handicapped children on pilgrimages to Lourdes every Easter.

Anne, who is from Greenhead Lane in Oakworth, accompanied the children on their last trip and was inspired to raise money. The children, who are not all connected to churches and religious groups, enjoyed the trip to Lourdes, which involved activities such as day trips, picnics and exploring the mountains.

Anne started training with Ruth, from Keighley as they prepared for the half-marathon and now they are planning to move up to the full distance marathon.

Anne said: "I couldn't have done it without Ruth, we're now hoping to run the London marathon to raise more money for the Trust because it's such a good cause."

Ruth and Anne were among hundreds from the Keighley district who raised thousands of pounds for charity while taking part int he run. Over 40,000 started, making it the biggest participation event in British sporting history with nearly 37,000 reaching the finish in South Shields.

In a pioneering move the Keighley News teamed up with organisers of the Great North Run to hold a 'Race-within-a-Race' which was won by Keighley & Craven athlete Laurence Hellawell with Natalie Wright picking up the women's prize.

Entries are already being accepted for next year and another bumper entry from the area is expected

Anyone interested in helping with fund raising for HCPT should contact the local organiser Pam Jessop on 01535 664999.

n Anne and Ruth (right) after completing the run.

n Full local results -- Page 16.