LOCAL men's and women's fitness groups joined forces in a charity fun-run earlier this month, raising money for the Welsh Air Ambulance (WAA) service.

Saturday, June 10 saw local health and fitness groups Ms.Fit Women's Health and Brawd Men's Health host the event at Porthkerry Park, Barry, raising a total of around £1,000.

The run consisted of three different options for participants - 7km, 12km and 15km - dependent on ability, however all three routes requires entrants to dive into the sea at various stages around Jackson's Bay and Watchtower Bay.

A barbecue was held after the race conclusion, as well as a raffle which included such prizes as a two night stay at a luxury apartment, Robbie Williams and James Arthur concert tickets and a Boulders Climbing Experience. All prizes were donated by local Vale of Glamorgan residents.

Mark Stevens, fundraising manager for the WAA, said: "All of us at Wales Air Ambulance were over the moon when Brawd and Ms.Fit first told us about their 3 dips challenge.

"The £1,000 raised from this inaugural event will go to helping maintain our presence in the Capital of Wales for years to come, and we cannot wait to see what this event will grow into next year."

Event organiser Jenny Morgan was equally pleased with the outcome of the event.

"We really are spoilt for choice of location in the Vale of Glamorgan," said Ms Morgan.

"We have some picturesque parks, beaches, woodland and beautiful coastal path walks so we wanted to take full advantage of this by covering a few of these attractions in our route.

"We thank the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Porthkerry Park for working with us to ensure the day went ahead smoothly and to all those that took part in the 3 Dips Challenge."