A FOUR-year-old has become one of the youngest in the country to take part in a Parkrun.

Raya Carrigan, aged four year and five days when she completed the event for Darwen Dashers, made it round the 5km Witton Park course in 52 minutes and 54 seconds.

Parkrun organises free timed runs around the country and Raya was eager to take part in her first one.

As well as being the youngest runner at the event, she was also one of the youngest in the UK to complete the event.

Proud mum Helen Jones, 40, who lives with partner, Barry Carrigan, and children on Alpha Street, was overwhelmed with her achievement.

She said: “When she had completed the run I cried – I was just so proud of her.

“She was absolutely ecstatic shouting ‘I ran it all, I ran it all’ and ‘I’m a dasher now’. She was really happy.

“She has watched the family all do runs before and she just wanted to join in and as soon as she became the right age I just thought ‘let’s do it’ and she just has no fear about it at all.”

Juniors have to be four-years-old before they can participate in a Parkrun event.

Ashleigh Primary School pupil Raya has since run the distance again and knocked an incredible one minute and 32 seconds off her personal best.

Mother-of-four Mrs Jones added: “I hope that she keeps running up. I would never want to push her though.

“I’m just glad she’s learning so early about being fit and active.

“She took her photo into school as well and got a big well done from the teacher so that was nice for her to be able to do.”

Several other Dashers were competing in the same event, including Raya’s parents and brother.

Chris Cash, chairman of the club, said Raya was an example of how young people can have fun keeping fit.

He said: “It’s great because it’s encouraging children to run instead of eat crisps and watch TV.

“I think her parents and family are a big part of getting her involved and I hope she will continue to run.”