PARKRUN is an ideal way to boost your physical and mental health.

That was the diagnosis after staff from GP practices across the district 'took over' the Keighley Cliffe Castle event for a morning.

They helped manage the volunteer-run activity as part of a wider health and wellbeing extravaganza, that featured a host of organisations.

Those involved included Keighley Healthy Living, Project 6, Keighley Asian Women & Children's Centre, Highfield Community Association, Bradford Council, the Act as One Partnership, Get Out More, Missing Peace, Discover Tai Chi, Truly Essential, Joe Kutny Bootcamp, Treacle, #ItsWorthTalkingAbout, Cliffe Castle Support Group and Bronte Tykes Cycling Club.

There was a range of activities from children's boot camps to outdoor cooking, plus healthy lifestyle advice and mental health support. Also, free basic health checks were on offer.

Numbers for the parkrun itself were about 30 per cent up on normal, with more than 20 first-time entrants.

And the wider event was attended by over 200 people.

Before the runners, joggers and walkers set off, there was a tai chi warm-up.

Locally-based band Hurricane Blue then provided live music as participants made their way around the course.

Dr Brendan Kennedy, a GP and Modality Partnership executive partner, said it was a "fantastic" day.

He added: "It was great to see so many people turning out. Taking part in park run is the best cure for many of the patients we see – and our hope is that more people will be encouraged to take part!"

Fellow GP Dr Matt Curtis said: "We want people to make healthy choices when they can. Being connected to groups and activities can make a real difference to individuals' health – and the choice of activities and groups in Keighley is truly astounding!"

Also amongst those backing the event was Emma Taylor – from Wharfedale, Airedale & Craven Alliance GP practices.

She said: "It was a great event and nothing beats getting out and volunteering on a Saturday. Helping people understand how they can look after their health is so valuable in this day and age, and it keeps people well for longer."

Parkruns are free to enter and take place over five-kilometre courses starting at 9am every Saturday, but first-time participants need to register in advance for a barcode. You should then print out your barcode and take it to the event.

For further information and to register, visit parkrun.org.uk.