Hundreds of runners were showered with bursts of brightly coloured paint as they took part in the St Luke’s Hospice Colour Run on Saturday.

More than 250 people, some as young as five, enjoyed the day of colour chaos as they walked, jogged or ran past the colour stations, where they were bombarded with luminous paint powder.

The 5k route started at the Bannister Outdoor Sports Centre, on Uxbridge Road, and ended with an enormous paint fight.

Supports of the event have so far pledged more than £10,000 for the Harrow-based hospice, with sponsorship still coming in.

Trish Glynn and Liz Stagg took part in the event, saying: “My dad passed away two years ago and it would have been his birthday today so it’s lovely to do something like this in memory of him.

“We are long-standing supporters – we both did the Midnight Walk and we give lots to the St Luke’s charity shops.

“We love the Midnight Walk but it’s great to do an event that the whole family can get involved in.”

Eight-year-old CJ Spicer, who finished the race first, said: “I like winning – I am very determined. Apart from coming first, the best bit was throwing paint at my mum.”