SPLASHES of colour covered hundreds of joggers, walkers and runners who dashed around Lydiard Park for Run the Rainbow.

Prospect Hospice’s biggest annual fundraiser was as popular as ever and attracted more than 400 people from all over Wiltshire who were eager to be plastered in powdery paint.

Melanie Rolfe and her eight-year-old daughter Jessica from Marlborough got into the spirit of things by wearing rainbow skirts.

Melanie said: “We try to dress up when we do runs like this one. It was our first time there and we were very excited because it was something different and a chance to get messy.

“We love doing things like this, raising money and having fun. It’s great because we can leave the boys at home and have some girly time.

“My mother-in-law was in hospice care so charities like Prospect are close to our hearts.”

Abigail Cameron and Amy Newman from the town centre covered themselves in blue, pink and purple powder before the event even started.

Amy said: "We've done Race for Life for a few years but had never done this before. It was great fun and supported a very worthwhile charity."

Families and friends teamed up to take part in the colourful run. Regular participant Emilia Soares encouraged her loved ones to join her this year after enjoying every Rainbow Run since it began four years ago.

She said: "It's a way we can help other people, which is the most important thing, and meet up with friends and connect with family in a great social event - plus it's loads of fun."

Manuel Valente, his daughter Anna Valente and grandson Milo Siedenberg joined Emilia. Anna said: "It was such a beautiful day and we were so excited to be part of this."

The event has raised £186,000 for the Wroughton-based hospice so far and organisers hope this year will take the total to £200k.

Prospect Hospice needs millions of pounds a year to keep providing its end-of-life hospice care and bereavement support services to families all over Swindon and Wiltshire.

Events and community manager Amy Francombe said: "There's nothing else quite like it in Swindon or the rest of the area we serve.

"The weather was great, the atmosphere was brilliant and everyone really enjoyed it. We had 410 people sign up in advance and lots of people registering on the day.

"We would not be able to put this event on without sponsorship and support.

"We are extremely grateful to our main sponsor Imagine Cruising and all the generous businesses and dedicated volunteers who put so much effort in to help make this happen."