WHEN does age, status, sex or fitness mean nothing? When you're panting your way around a five-kilometre run.

More than 400 runners and walkers, aged between 20 and 80, donned their trainers to meet the Corporate Challenge - and raise money for charity.

The event, which pit teams from local organisations and businesses against each other, was organised by Blackburn with Darwen Council and the East Lancashire Health Authority.

Backed by the NHS Trust, the run was designed to boost teamwork, fitness and health in the region's workers.

And the pack made their way from Blackburn's Pleasington Playing Fields to Witton Park, via Feniscowles, in break-neck speed.

And Preston Council's Paul Roberts, 37, proved he was one step ahead by finishing first, with a time of 16 minutes and 20 seconds.

The first woman home was 32-year-old Pamela Morgan, who ran for the Post Office's Penny Blacks team. She completed the course in just 18 minutes and 12 seconds.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's team, made up of council leader Malcolm Doherty, Councillor Kathy Stephenson, direct services director Ian Stephenson and housing and neighbourhood services director Phil Richards, completed the course in an impressive combined time of one hour, 47 minutes and 38 seconds.

Prizes are to be presented at a ceremony on September 8 and will include a £100 donation to the winning charity team.

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