THE sun shone brightly as up to 400 runners enjoyed the first Hexham Half Marathon.

Runners from across the region headed to the Tyne Valley for the inaugural run through Hexham, Acomb and Corbridge, with a 5K race also held.

The event was deemed an instant success, the rolling closure of roads round the route particularly receiving the thumbs up from participants.

A full report of the Hexham Half Marathon will appear in this week's Hexham Courant.