AROUND £800 was raised on Sunday for Selkirk High School’s PE department as runners of all abilities enjoyed the trails of the historic Riddell Estate.

A record entry of more than 120 athletes, some as young as pre-school, took part over the two distances of 10 and five kilometres.

And 10k winning Hawick postman Bruce Hughes reckons the whole event was first class.

The Teviotdale Harrier, who clocked 38.29 minutes, headed the field of more than 50 runners all the way to the line. Bruce told us: “It was a great course with a bit of everything thrown in.

“Well done to the organisers for putting on such a brilliant event and I’m looking forward to coming back next year.

“There were some good runners here today so it’s great to get the win.”

Bruce crossed the finishing line around a minute in front of Lauderdale Limper Andrew Lawrie, with Teviotdale’s Graeme Walker 30 seconds further back in third.

Moorfoot veterans Darin Dougal and Michael McGovern from Peeblesshire finished well to take fourth and fifth, respectively.

Kirsten Maxwell from Gala Harriers finished sixth overall to win the women’s race with a time of 43.17 minutes.

Aileen Maxwell was the second lady home with Roslin McGlynn in third.

There were additional prizes for Midlem’s Sam McKinnon for finishing first boy and Emma Blood was first girl.

A further 73 runners, as well as a few walkers, lined up for the 5k race. Although only half the distance, the route still included several testing climbs as well as a few muddy sections.

Selkirk’s Christopher Millar came home first in exactly 26 minutes, with Jessica Hendry finishing sixth overall to win the ladies’ race. And it was Selkirk teacher Robin Murray who, after finishing seventh overall, claimed the prize for first finisher with a dog.

Race organiser Jane Macdonell was delighted with the record entry for this year’s event. She said: “It was great to see all ages and abilities taking part and enjoying themselves. We couldn’t have done this without Andrew and Virginia Grant of the Riddell Estate who have been fantastic supporters of Lilliesleaf 10k since it started in 2015.”

As well as receiving money from the race entry fees, the Selkirk High PE department also held a popular post-race cake and candy sale.