A regional daily journalist and RAF reservist won an obstacle course in aid of the Poppy Appeal on his newspaper’s patch.

Martin Wade, digital editor at the South Wales Argus, crossed the line first in the Great Gwent Poppy Run, held annually in aid of the Royal British Legion.

The course saw runners scale hay bales, wade through mud and cross a section of the River Usk before going through woodland.

The 243 runners and 90 cadets taking part were commemorating the centenary of the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917.

Martin during the race

Martin finished narrowly ahead of Anthony Cook, an ex-military serviceman in the Royal Welsh First Battalion.

He praised his competitor for helping him over the obstacles and said he “enjoyed the challenges of the course”, adding the event was “about camaraderie and helping each other”.

Last year’s event raised nearly £3,500, with this year’s total expected to be even higher with the increased turn-out.