TROWBRIDGE constituency MP Andrew Murrison put a spotlight on the importance of exercise when he put on his running shoes for the Southwick Parkrun on Saturday.

Dr Murrison, 55 who runs every week to keep fit, was invited to be the guest starter by organisers who said his participation in the 5km course at Southwick Country Park spurred a lot of people to get involved.

Southwick Parkrun event director Sean Price said: “The event has a great community feel and we are in an enviable situation where we have volunteers turn up each and every week and we are gifted that so many people want to help out.

“Andrew said he has never taken part in a Parkrun before and he was very fast completing the course in 24 minutes and 45 seconds which is an incredibly quick time particularly in his age range.

“He was able to tell people that he tries to run around 3km twice a week which is an active level that people should be trying to achieve and the Parkrun is a great place to do that. He is also a doctor and so he knows about the importance of exercise.”

Parkruns are free, weekly, timed events which cater to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities and in Southwick, between 200-300 people take part every week.

Dr Murrison said: "I very much enjoyed the Park Run on Saturday and so did my daughter Hennie. I think we both achieved respectable times. Parkrun is a great way to keep fit in the company of some really nice people."

For more information about how to sign up, visit www.parkrun.org.uk/southwickcountrypark.