A KEEN trail runner from Poole has taken part in the challenging Trans Lantau ultra marathon in Hong Kong.

Finlay Nelson, site managing director at Pork Farms took on 50km of terrain on the scenic island of Lantau and raised £2,600 for Julia's House children's hospice.

He took on the challenge for the hospice which has recently been named as Pork Farms company charity in Poole.

The Trans-Lantau run covers the most scenic trails on the island with the route going along beaches, through jungles and up five long hills. It rises up to 2,600 metres and runners head off at 9am with the target of finishing within 13 hours, meaning part of the course is completed in the dark.

Finlay said: "I'm really proud to have completed this challenge, it was a fantastic event to be part of and I was thrilled to be able to raise funds for Julia's House at the same time as doing something I'm so passionate about.

"I grew up in Hong Kong and the island of Lantau holds a special place in my heart - it was great to return for the race."

He added: "It was definitely my biggest challenge to date as it covered so many different terrains and the climate is completely different to here in the UK, where I did most of my training along the sea cliffs in Dorset.

"It took me 10 hours and 45 minutes in total so it was a long day, but it was all for a good cause.

"Julia's House is a fantastic charity; the house is symbolic to the people in the area and our employees. We're thrilled that our donation will go towards making a difference in the community."

Martin Edwards, chief executive at Julia's House said: "A huge well done to Finlay for completing such a big challenge. It's fantastic that people are getting behind the charity in such a way and even spreading the word as far as Hong Kong, we're very grateful for the donation."