A WOTTON-UNDER-EDGE running enthusiast raised £1,200 by completing the London Marathon to support the development of a community parc.

Rose Stephenson ran the 26.2-mile endurance epic to raise funds for the Wotton Community Sports Foundation (WCSF) as it bids to expand with new equipment for youngsters such as a pair of BMX tracks.

A founding member of the Wotton parkrun, Rose is keen to expand upon the parc’s development, which already includes a skate park, two all-weather pitches, and a grass rugby pitch.

She said: “I began running a year ago and it has helped me and so many others to feel good, encourage a positive self-image and believe that we can achieve our goals.

“The Sports Foundation is helping to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to exercise and improve their physical and mental health too.

“I believe that having access to facilities such as those at New Road is so important to give people the opportunity to make positive choices about their lifestyle and enjoy sport with their friends and families.”

WCSF has a 999-year lease on the 38-acre site just outside the town and has aimed to bring more sporting facilities to Wotton since 2000.

The committee includes representatives from Rovers Football Club, Wotton Hockey Club, Wotton Rugby Club, Wotton Town Council plus other co-opted members.

Barnaby Beere, chairman of WCSF, said: “The development of the site at New Road is reliant on the support of the local community, grants and inspiring individuals such as Rose.

“The sponsorship that she has helped to raise will help to ensure that we can provide sports and recreation facilities for both young and old residents of Wotton for many years to come.

“Thank you Rose for your dedication, support and for all of those marathon miles.”

Saturday, June 17 will see the site host the first Party in the Parc festival featuring live bands, food and drink stalls and activities to take part in such as face painting, circus skills, walking football and more.

Tickets are now available from Wotton Community Sports Centre, Milburys, Bennett Jones and the Heritage Centre in Wotton.

They are priced at £15 for a standard ticket, £7 concessions and £35 for a family ticket.

See bit.ly/2qB2ppO for more details.