The stunning grounds of Holkham Hall on the north Norfolk coast will host this year’s Archdeacon’s Charge.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Last year's Archdeacon's Charge. Pictures: The Diocese of NorwichLast year's Archdeacon's Charge. Pictures: The Diocese of Norwich (Image: Archant)

The annual sponsored fun run, walk and family picnic, raises money for local churches, schools or youth groups as well as for the East Anglian Air Ambulance and is being held on Monday, May 7.

This year’s course is 5km long and participants can choose their favoured number of laps. The route for those walking will be around the beautiful lake.

The event, which runs from 10am until 3pm, has grown each year and includes a craft market, live music performances, classic cars, and a large family play area, Refreshments include bacon butties and cakes.

The Earl and Countess of Leicester allow the organisers, the Diocese of Norwich, to use the grounds.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Last year's Archdeacon's Charge. Pictures: The Diocese of NorwichLast year's Archdeacon's Charge. Pictures: The Diocese of Norwich (Image: Archant)

Adel MacNicol, who took part last year, said: “It was an experience I would thoroughly recommend.

“The age spread of those taking part was much greater than I had expected.

“The course is set up so that entrants only have to do just as much or as little as they can - but they are all there for one purpose – to raise funds and that gives a great sense of camaraderie and achievement. I raised £2,000, improved my fitness, and had a great day out.”

The Revd Clive Wylie, vicar of South Creake, said: “My first experience of the Archdeacon’s Charge was in 2012 at Sandringham and I have participated every year since.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Last year's Archdeacon's Charge. Pictures: Supplied by Katharine LimbachLast year's Archdeacon's Charge. Pictures: Supplied by Katharine Limbach (Image: Archant)

“Last year 14 of us from the Creakes’ Benefice took part. It has ignited a passion for running that has contributed to me, at 53, being in the best shape of my life.”

The event was founded in 2010 by the Ven John Ashe, the recently retired Archdeacon of Lynn. The East Anglian Air Ambulance has been very close to Archdeacon John’s heart after they saved his wife’s life following a serious car accident in 2009 when she was airlifted from the crash scene. Since its inception the event has raised over £110,000, half of which has been donated to the air ambulance.

The link to buy tickets is here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-archdeacons-charge-picnic-2018-tickets-41947816047

Fakenham & Wells Times: Archdeacon's Charge. Pictures: The Diocese of NorwichArchdeacon's Charge. Pictures: The Diocese of Norwich (Image: Archant)