VILLAGERS are busy preparing their first-ever running race to raise funds for the re-development of facilities at the social heart of the community.

With just over a month to go, organisers of the inaugural Takeley 10k say entries are coming in thick and fast and there are high hopes for a bumper pay day to help renovate and modernise the Takeley Social Club and Silver Jubilee Village Hall.

Fundraising committee members are eager to ensure the hall continues as the “heart and soul of the community” beyond the 21st century.

Chairman Mick Coleman said: “The village hall is a great facility and a focus for the community.

“As a tribute to the first group that built the hall originally, I believe it is up to the next generation to modernise it and to allow for the expanding community.

“The Takeley 10K is one of a series of events to raise funds and also to involve the members of the growing population in the village.”

The hall was originally built in 1935 by a group of residents in a bid to bring the community closer together.

By having fundraising events and providing labour, expertise, and time for nothing, they built the hall that has now served the community for over 75 years.

The social club was added in 1975 in the same community spirit, spear-headed by stalwarts John Monk, Gordon Sylvester and previous chairman of the Village Hall Committee Geoff Coleman – current chair Mick is his son.

The competitive race, which starts at 11am on September 19, is for runners of all abilities aged over 16. The route will take in the countryside of The Flitch Way and Hatfield Forest.

There will also be a one-mile fun run for children and families and the starter gun will fire as soon as the last 10k runner finishes.

Once the hard work is over, there will be a fun day with food, drink and numerous different activities including a bouncy castle and family barbecue.

Race entries are being taken via Entry Central at �10 per person – all funds will go directly towards the renovation project.

Prizes will be handed to the first, second, and third male and female in the open category, the first male over 40, first female over 35, first male over 50 and the first female over 45.

No registration is required for the one mile fun run – enter on the day for �1.

For more information visit takeley10k.co.uk, or e-mail race organiser Rob Newman - takeley10k@hotmail.co.uk.

For entries go to http://bit.ly/10kentry.