A group of runners came home very muddy but very happy after competing in a fundraiser for a Weymouth youth centre.

Twenty five people took on the challenge of an extreme trail run to raise funds for Steps Club for Young People on Chickerell Road.

Participants in the Brutal Run in Hampshire completed either a 5km or 10km course that included forest hills, deep elephant grass, rivers, stagnant ponds and mud swamps up to their waist.

Steps, the former Weymouth Boys Club, is a former Dorset County Council facility but faced closure after funding cuts.

Fortunately it was saved when it was taken over a charity – but it now means supporters must raise funds themselves to keep going.

The team who undertook the Brutal Run, including youth worker Tom Lane and club chairman Andy Blackwood, raised around £7,500 for the charity.

Mr Blackwood, who recently retired as a teacher at Budmouth College, said: "It was a tough course, but everyone completed and felt a great sense of achievement.

"The club has now been run by the charity for two years and it is a constant challenge to raise sufficient funds to keep the club going and providing vital opportunities and support for young people.”

Another participant, club member Luke Rose, 18, said: "The Brutal Run was really hard but it was a great experience to do it and to give something back to the club.”

He added: “I’ve attended Steps for three years and the club has helped me enormously, especially in terms of increasing my confidence, gaining new friends and taking part in lots of positive activities.

"The staff are amazing and give young people so much support."

Principal Youth Worker Tom Lane said: “I’d like to say a huge ‘well done’ to all our brave runners and a very big ‘thank you’ to everyone who sponsored us. It’s heartening to know the club has such amazing support within the community and that people know the value of our work.”

As well as individual sponsors, the club received sponsorship from three local businesses.

Mr Lane said: “I’d like to thank 109 Watersports, Express Refrigeration and Tristan G Murless Electrical Contractors Ltd for their wonderful and generous support. I think the public should know that we have wonderful local businesses owners who are supporting Steps and investing in our young people and our community.”