THE first ever Dorothy House Hospice Care Bubble Rush began in spectacular fashion with nearly 1,500 people taking part in the mad dash at Castle Combe race circuit on Sunday.

The Winsley charity hosted the 5km circuit family fundraising event, which included a a bubble village, including a pre-event warm up routine as well as live entertainment and children’s activities.

Dorothy House fundraiser Lesley Richardson, 57, said: "It was just brilliant. The spectacle of seeing both young and old emerge through the multi-coloured bubbles was great.

"The point of it was not a race, it was about getting around in any way you saw fit. By the time I got round the course I was multi-coloured.

"The staff at Castle Combe were so helpful, they could not have been better. The children absolutely loved it too.

"So far the feedback has been great. So many people have said this was their favourite event that we have ever done and we are already planning the event for next year."

The soaked participants, who raised thousands for the hospice, ran, hopped, skipped, walked and jumped their way through mountains of bubbles and foam in three waves at 3pm, 4pm and 5pm.

Events fundraiser Emily Knight added: "There was a fantastic turnout and an amazing atmosphere. Loads of people dressed up and partied along the route.

"There were a lot of men in tutus, who knew that so much coloured foam could be such fun?

"And it was a fantastic way to raise money for Dorothy House Hospice Care. We are already looking forward to the next one."