More than 340 people put on their running shoes and joined the new Poundbury parkrun on its first ever event.

And this was followed by more than 310 for its second event last week.

The free 5k community event on the Great Field enables participants to run, jog or walk the route, or even volunteer.

It was set up by event co-directors Susan O'Flanagan and Catherine Abery-Williams with a team of people.

Susan said: "Two years ago, I got approached and asked if I would project lead a team to get a parkrun and I said 'no'… it's an awful lot of hard work, it's very stressful and also in Dorchester we hadn't been able to have a route."

However, she "did some homework… and got a really good project team together", including the Rotary club, Lions Club and representatives from the police, fire, public health and local organisations.

"We managed to work out a route, we looked at other sites in Dorchester but this was preferred," she added. "We got funding from Active Dorset, Public Health Dorset and Dorchester Town Council.

"Then the last thing we needed was to make sure we had a good number of volunteers, because that was my concern and that's where the Rotary and Lions filled in.

"From the word go we've tried to make sure it's community orientated. The Duchy has been very helpful and worked with us on the type of track we wanted, so that was really good."

Around 30 to 40 volunteers are needed each week to ensure the event goes ahead and the team has had a great response so far. If anyone is interested in volunteering, email [email protected]

The team is also looking for storage very local to the field. If you can help, also email the address above.

The school, along with Pavilion in the Park - PiPs - Café have been very supportive of the parkrun and the team enjoy a post event drink in Pips each week.

Susan said: "I think it's really great that now in West Dorset we've got three [St Mary's parkrun in Bridport and Weymouth parkrun] and they are three very different ones, so we've got choices.

"Parkrun welcomes runner, walkers and joggers of all abilities. Come on out and enjoy Saturday morning - you don't have to run, you can volunteer."

Visit parkrun.org.uk for more information.

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