MENTAL health charity Lancashire Mind is feeling good after a bumper fundraising event.

The charity’s Mental Elf 2020 challenge raised £20,650 - triple the amount it made in 2019.

The challenge took place online due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Instead of the usual 5km fun run in Blackburn’s Witton Park, participants clubbed together in a bid to cover 3226km (2,005 miles) of ground, marking the distance from Lancashire to Santa’s home in Lapland between December 1 and December 12.

A community effort involving running, walking, cycling, outdoor swimming, horse riding and even a danceathon meant that the 222 entrants ended up logging an impressive11,172.26 kilometres in total.

Emma Bateson, fundraising manager for Lancashire Mind, said: “We would like to thank every single person who participated in this year’s event and all those who contributed to it and supported it.

“At a difficult and challenging time for many it has been incredible to see so much kindness and generosity from people across the county and to see such support for Lancashire Mind as we continue to work towards our vision of Mental Wellbeing for All.”

Participant Joan Jarnell, 66, said: “I have really enjoyed being a part of this group and seeing how everyone has been doing and their lovely outfits.

“It has inspired me to do more walking as I found it to be so good for my mental health and wellbeing.”

Lancashire Mind supports people in the county through wellbeing coaching sessions, school programmes and community development.

The charity’s funds dropped dramatically in 2020 when it was forced to cancel the majority of its events.