Hartlepool Mail editor Joy Yates was among those to take part in the first Cancer Research UK Race for Life to be held in the town.

Joy, who joined the paper from the Shields Gazette a year ago, flew the flag for the Mail along with advertising manager Sheila Argument and a team of other “Fe-Mail” runners.

She said: “It was an absolute pleasure to take part in an event that was so wholeheartedly supported by people in Hartlepool and surrounding areas.

“The atmosphere was fantastic and made you feel extremely proud to live or work in the town.”

Mail editor Joy Yates (right) and Sheila Argument

Joy completed Sunday’s 5k run, from Hartlepool Marina to Seaton Carew and back, in 45 minutes.

The event is estimated to have raised £99,000 for Cancer Research UK, with more than 1,500 women taking part.

The Mail followed up the event with extensive coverage in-paper as well as online video and more than 500 photographs.

Runners also sent texts to the paper with their own pictures and comments.