THE streets were awash with colour as hundreds took part in Rossendale Hospice’s first ever sponsored Colour Dash.

More than 500 people took part in the event with participants getting showered in powdered paint during the 4km course - all in the name of charity.

Colour dashers got into the groove with a performance from dance group Dance Like Nobody’s Watching (DNLW) before actor and presenter Ted Robbins officially started the Dash at Marl Pits Leisure Centre.

Hospice bosses expect the event to raise around £14,000 to help fund care for people living with cancer and other life-limiting conditions.

Keen runners to gentle walkers, all dressed in white, followed the route, passing through five colour stations.

Clare Richards, head of fundraising, said: “With this being our first event of this kind in the valley, we wanted to create a fantastic experience.

“We were delighted to see so many people of all ages and abilities enjoy themselves in this vibrant way, whilst raising vital funds for their local hospice.”

The event was organised in collaboration with Rossendale Leisure Trust.

Joanne Entwistle, who runs DNLW, said: “It was a really good day.

“The weather was fantastic and everybody gave it a good go.

“I did the warm up and everybody got into the spirit of it.

“They were covered head to toe in colour.

“Now everybody knows about it hopefully it will just get bigger and bigger every year.”

The colour stations were sponsored by Keenans Estate Agents, Woodcock, Haworth and Nuttall Solicitors and Bigtank Productions.

Support was also shown by Alder Grange School in Rawtenstall, Rossendale Rugby Club, Rossendale Rotary Club, Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue, the Co-op, JJO Plc, Rossendale Self Storage, HD Signology, Beta Group and LAF Media Productions.