A DARWEN running group has taken off so much that it has been affiliated to UK Athletics and been forced to change venues.

Darwen Running Group was launched in conjunction with Run England in a bid to provide people in the town with a way to get fit for free.

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Run leaders invited those with little or no experience to join them at Darwen Leisure Centre and took them for a run for free.

And from small beginnings once a week, the group – which has just celebrated its second birthday – now runs several sessions every week leading as many as 150 runners.

A special run from the group’s new base at Darwen Aldridge Community Academy was joined by special guest Will Straw, Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate in the town for Darwen at the general election in May.

Run leader Peter Murphy said: “This was a celebration run to commemorate our second anniversary of setting up this running group and that we are now a newly affiliated group to UK Athletics.

“This will allow our members to compete in races .

“We have recently relocated from Darwen Leisure Centre to DACA to accommodate our ever increasing numbers.

“All our sessions are free and run by qualified leaders and people of all abilities are very welcome to our friendly group.

“We are also grateful to the Crown Paints and Darwen Town Council Community Awards for last year’s funding.”

Mr Straw said: “It was great to join Darwen Running Group for the evening and hear for myself just what a difference this community group is making to people’s lives.

“People of all abilities and ages are getting involved and there is a brilliant atmosphere.

“I was impressed with all the support and encouragement going on.

“I was made to feel very welcome, enjoyed the exercise and the chance to chat to people along the route.

“I will definitely be joining Peter and the group again soon.

“Anybody thinking of giving it a go should definitely come along and join in.”

The club hosts different ability groups on Mondays at 6.30pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7pm.

For details visit www.darwenrunning.weebly.com.