A team of Wellington gym goers have raised over £7,000 for charity after completing a marathon while hauling a 90kg weight.

Known as the 'worm marathon' the event saw a team of ten from Spartan Fitness Chamber in Chelston carry a 90kg load over 26 miles in just eight hours.

The mammoth effort has so far raised £7,800 and counting with donations still being made to the Spartan Fitness Just Giving page.

Among the team were a trio of vets from West Buckland based Cave Veterinary Specialists. Head of nursing services Bryony Gilder, head of specialist services Will McFadzean and anaesthesia nurse Sophie Puzey joined the team to race along the Grand Western Canal.

Race rules stipulated that although runners could be switched in and out of carrying the so-called 'worm' weight, it could not be dropped at any time.

Commenting on the experience, Bryony said: “The great thing about this challenge was that it could not be done alone and was a true test of teamwork. 

“It’s safe to say friendships were forged overcoming this shared challenge and the support from those surrounding us was second to none.” 

The funds are being donated to Cancer Research UK. Ryan Atkins, owner of Spartan Fitness, said: "This is a great cause which I know has personally effected many people in the gym over the last year alone."