HUNDREDS of people pounded the forest on Sunday as they took part in the annual Rabbit Run.

The popular event, run by the 1st Poulner Scouts, was held this year to raise money for a £35,000 climbing wall for their new multi-activity centre, for use by the community.

The run netted £5,000 towards the facility, which will be the only one of its kind in the area, and it is hoped that the wall could be built in September.

The race started at the Red Shoot Camping Park at Linwood, with courses of 5km and 10km.

Group Scout leader Colin Andrews said: “The run was a huge success, with no little thanks to the organiser Emily Hatch from the number of comments we have had since.

“And of course the sun shone for us, so the forest was looking its best.

“We have to say that without the fantastic support we have had from the local business community it would have been much more difficult to make this such a success.

“The cost of the wall with equipment and training is just over £35,000, and with the strong hope of a grant that may come from a local authority soon, we expect to install and pay for the wall so that it is fully functioning on September 1.”

“The closest wall of its kind is in Calshot and the far side of Wimborne. This facility will be open to all people in the community.”