The campaign to bring an athletics arena to Angus took a step forward on Saturday with a sponsored yomp from Arbroath to Easthaven.
The fundraising event was organised by Arbroath councillor David Fairweather, who is also on Angus Athletics Arena’s steering group.
Almost 30 people took part, including members of Arbroath District Athletics Club. People walked, ran or cycled the 10-mile round trip.
It is hoped that around £2,000 will have been raised by the yomp, which would be the largest total realised by a single fundraising activity for the campaign so far.
Angus is one of only two local authorities in Scotland that doesn’t have an all-weather track and a location for it has been identified at Arbroath High School.
Mr Fairweather said that although the total is a long way from the estimated £1 million needed, it helps demonstrate to funding bodies the commitment from local people to make it a reality.
He said: “I know from speaking to people who took part that six people alone raised more than £1,000, so I think conservatively we are looking at around £2,000 raised for the campaign, which I think is marvellous.
“It was a tremendous turnout and we got a great day for it.
“This lets external funders see that we are serious about making sure this will happen.
“I remember when people said to me that the Arbroath skatepark would never happen, but it was events like this which shows the commitment of local people which then means the lottery and sportscotland are more likely to get involved.
“I’m sure that this project will happen hopefully sooner rather than later.”
The arena campaign is being led by two parents of children who attend Arbroath District Athletics Club, Cherise Whamond and Vicky Graham, who have organised a series of fundraising events.
Vicky said: “We had an excellent day for it and everyone seemed to enjoy it.
“We are working on putting together a crowdfunding campaign. We recently asked primary school pupils to submit designs for our logo which will go with this.
“We are going to select a winner at our next meeting.
“The group is also starting to make contact with external funding bodies about our plans.”
Later this month Cherise will run the London Marathon to raise more cash for the campaign.