LEE Piercy was first across the finish line on Wednesday night in the 13th annual Lethbridge 10k run.

Almost 300 people from across the country took part in the popular event, which raises money for Lethbridge Primary School The race is run over a demanding course which extends along the old railway path, across country onto Wharf Road, up Mill Lane and then back along the canal and the old railway line path.

Thirty-four-year-old Piercy took the honours in 33 minutes 40 seconds, ahead of last year's winner Tim Hughes, aged 55, in 34.21.

Londoner and duathlete Emma Dews was the first lady home in 37.40, in what was her first ever Lethbridge 10k, and she was swiftly followed by 2006 ladies winner Kate Jacobs.

Organiser Roger Bryan said this year's race had been a huge success.

He revealed: "It's in its 13th year and has proved even more popular this year.

"It sold out with weeks to go, and is a really big event in the local running calendar.

"The money raised is spent on a variety of school activities and resources for Lethbridge Primary School, such as supporting school visits, visitors to school and extra reading books.

"In addition, this year it is planned to spend some of the money on extending maths and science resources, which is vital because the school's budget share per pupil is one of the lowest in the Borough."