The hard work has paid off for runners who participated in last year’s 31st Abbots Langley Tough Ten as charities and community organisations will now benefit from thousands of pounds in sponsorship.

After participating in the charity race, including 3k, 5k and 10k runs in October, runners have raised thousands of pounds in sponsorship for local charities and organisations.

At a presentation meeting on Friday, January 24 in Breakspeare School, Abbots Langley, participants' hard work was celebrated and beneficiaries were awarded with cheques throughout the evening.

Pat Waterton, member of the Tough Ten committee, said: "It was heartening for the Tough Ten Committee that so many children entered from the village schools, clubs and youth groups. We had a record number of entries across all four events of 742."

She added: "Our chairman, John Reid, thanked everyone who helped us this year and especially the Ginder family, who are our main sponsors. As well as The Viceroy Brasserie, the Parish Council, Abbots Langley Red Cross, the police, and Breakespeare School.

"He also thanked Reg Hunt and the Tough Ten Committee for their hard work during 2013. He thanked Dary Sweeney from Sweeney’s Budgens for sponsoring the race clock, the 5k race and for providing the wonderful refreshments for tonight’s Presentation Evening."

Special mention was given to Watford FC’s Luther Blissett, who started each of the races.

The beneficiaries for the 31st Tough Ten race included a charity that raises money for a local girl with a rare form of childhood cancer, called Emily’s Wish List. It was given £1,175.

Abbots Langley War Memorial Trust received a cheque for £2,000.

Abbots Youth Football Club received a cheque for £750 which will be used to buy new football nets and other equipment.

AIMS, a group of women who volunteer their time to work on the green spaces in Abbots Langley, received £250 and Laila Nandarkhan accepted the cheque.

DEMAND was given a cheque for £1,000 which will help them to design more equipment for disabled people in the community.

Breakespeare School was given £750 and it was accepted by the Deputy Headteacher on the presentation evening.

Tannerswood School received a cheque for £500 and the Tough Ten Committee said they aim to help the local Junior Schools with special projects.

Finally, the St George’s Day Charity received a cheque for £505.