THE Somerley Estate in Ringwood hosted the annual fun run in aid of Autism Wessex.

Hundreds of runners took part in the event, which has kick-started the charity's 50th birthday celebrations.

There were two routes around the estate which participants tackled on Saturday morning. The challenging 10km race started at 11am and the shorter 2km event got underway twenty minutes later.

Ahead of the event, Autism Wessex fundraising executive Fiona Hawkins explained: "It is our 50th birthday and we are planning a year-long celebration, kicking off with our Somerley Winter Run.

"At the run we will be launching our Team 50 challenge initiative; we are looking for 50 people to take on a challenge and pledge to raise £50 for us in 2018."

Autism Wessex manages the Portfield School, a non-maintained special school in Christchurch. which was founded in 1971.

The school supports children and young people, aged three to 19, with autism and associated difficulties.

The charity also offers free information and advice on a range of autism-related issues, holds drop-in sessions and operates community support and residential services.

Visit autismwessex.org.uk for further details.