The annual spectacle sees women from all walks of life completing a five-kilometre course to help those who suffer with cancer every year.

Breast cancer affects more than 40,000 women in the UK each year alone.

Women young and old were joined by children for this year's race which began with a warm-up, led by gym staff from LA Fitness.

Many entrants dressed in running gear though some – like the runaway brides from RAF Marham – donned more elaborate outfits to add to the fun.

The weather was scorching for the event as the entrants jostled on the start line.

First to complete the course in the grounds of the historic hall was Marie French who finished well ahead of the pack, in an astonishing 18 minutes.

For most the course took around half an hour to complete.

One competitor Gemma Reed (22), was inspired to run because she had lost both family members and friends to cancer. "I think most people have the same opinion.

PAIN

"A little bit of pain for those who aren't fit isn't anything to what people with cancer are going through.

"I would do it ten times over if I thought it would make a difference," said Miss Reed, who hopes personally to have raised around £80.

Race for Life was started in 1994 and has so far raised more than £200 million to help Cancer Research UK continue its vital work.

The event is held at venues across the country.

A Cancer Research UK spokesman said: "Thank you to all the ladies who turned up.

"I hope they had a fantastic evening."