A SEA of red, yellow, green and blue swept across Baiter Park today as hundreds of people took part in the first ever rainbow run held in Dorset.

Raising funds for the children’s hospices Naomi House and Jacksplace, around 1,800 people were pelted with bucket loads of multi-coloured powdered paint as they made their way around the 3k course.

And, in keeping with the rainbow theme, many wore a variety of fun and colourful accessories, including brightly coloured sunglasses, tutus and wigs.

Among those taking part were Suzanne and Neil Fairclough, whose 14-year-old daughter Hattie receives care at Naomi House, which is based in Sutton Scotney, Hampshire.

The couple, from Hazelbury Bryan, near Sturminster Newton, raised more than £1,000.

They said it was a way for them to show their appreciation.

Mrs Fairclough said: “We wanted to give something back for all the support they have given us over the last five years.”

Hattie, who has brain damage and suffers from a complex form of epilepsy, requires one to one care and spends 16 nights at the hospice each year.

Mrs Fairclough said: “It gives us a break and allows us to spend more time with our other children.

“We know she is safe and looked after by professionals. It just gives us some time to breathe.”

Mr Fairclough said the atmosphere at the charity event was “brilliant”.

He added: “The supporters were fantastic and really cheered us along.”

Poole mother and son team Charlotte Smith, 37, and Adam Fellows, 14, said they had a great time.

Ms Smith said: “I have done Race for Life and when I saw this I thought it would be a bit of fun. It’s been brilliant.”

Asked if he would do it again, Adam said: “Definitely.”

Rebecca Heard, also from Poole, said: “I thought it would be quite a giggle and it has been. I’ll be getting more people involved next year.”

Organisers say around 1,600 people registered to take part prior to the event and around 200 more turned up on the day.

Nicole Dennison, event organiser at Naomi House, said: “The turnout has been brilliant.”

She added: “This is the first rainbow run held in Dorset and we are hoping to raise around £30,000 towards our Caterpillar Appeal.

“We need to raise £4million to rebuild the hospice and make it one of the best in the country. The money raised from the run will make a big difference.”