MORE than a thousand guests enjoyed a burst of colour on a dull and grey Sunday.

Burnley held its inaugural colour dash at Thompson Park as guests ran, walked or jogged around a 5km route.

Colour blast stations were dotted around the track to douse guests in a variety of powdered paints.

Participants took part in the event to raise money for Pendleside Hospice.

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Prior to the race guests were also in a bright mood, with many throwing sachets of different coloured powders in the air and over each other.

Paul Schofield, from the Ayton Hill area of Burnley, attended with his wife Caroline and their children.

He said: "I just thought it was a great idea and something that would be great to come down to.

"It's great for the whole family as well, we can all just come along and have a great time.

"Pendleside Hospice is a great cause as well, they do so much fantastic work in the local area, it's good to do our bit."

Before the race runners took part in a warm up led by volunteers to get them jumping up and down and ready to run.

Another participant was Gail Bowery from Rawtenstall, who ran in the event in memory of her great uncle Danny Wain after he passed away at the hospice in 2013.

The 42-year-old said: "I’ve been involved in a range of hospice fundraising events over the years but it wasn’t until Danny was taken to the hospice that I saw just how brilliant it is.

"The colour dash is great as you can do it at your own pace."

Entertainment was on offer throughout the day including live bands and singers, as well as a variety of stalls.

Pendleside hospice volunteer Tracey Bracewell said: "It's fantastic, it's a shame the weather was not a bit better.

"But it's British spirit at its best everyone still coming down and enjoying themselves.

"The whole thing is just a brilliant idea for the town.

"Everyone was looking fabulous in all the colour.

"It brings all the community together, it is just a great family event.

"Its for an amazing cause as well, I just hope we raise as much money as possible."

The run had more than 1,200 people sign up in advance and many more runners turned up on the day to take part, as well as hundreds of spectators.