MOTORISTS will have no problem spotting members of Ramsbottom Running Club after the new group was awarded a grant to buy headtorches and hi-viz vests.

The tragic deaths of schoolgirls Stacey Burrows and Lucy Pygott, who were run over at a pedestrian crossing during an evening run in November, highlighted the issue of safety during winter months.

But thanks to a grant of nearly £1,000 from Bury Council, courtesy of the I Will If You Will community fund, members of Ramsbottom Running Club will be as visible as possible when they are out on the roads.

Chairman Rowan Ardill, who helped set up the new running group in September, applied for an injection of funds to help protect his runners.

And with more than 50 now signed up to the group, he is delighted with the I Will If You Will award.

“We are really grateful for the funding, which is brilliant as it will help ensure all of our runners are safe, visible and prepared when we go out on our regular weekly runs,” he said.

“We have a growing club and when the nights are dark, safety is of paramount importance, particularly when running close to busy roads, or in areas that have no street lights.

“This funding will enable us to buy enough headtorches, lights and hi-viz kit to make sure we are seen, as well as ensuring our run leaders can carry vital kit in backpacks.”

Ramsbottom Running Club has grown quickly since it was founded three months ago and is soon due to be officially affiliated to England Athletics.

Members meet every Tuesday from 7pm, starting and finishing at Irwell Works Brewery, and go on runs of varying distances before regrouping for a social drink afterwards.

Ardill added: “It’s been humbling to be part of such a well-supported and enthusiastic group - we seem to keep growing and keep welcoming new people, which we’ll continue to do, and stay true to the idea of ‘enjoying your run’.

“We have a mix of abilities and we are always able to make sure people feel comfortable, no matter their fitness level.

“The next twelve months are going to be really exciting, as more and more developments happen.”

For more information, visit www.ramsbottomrunningclub.co.uk, search Facebook for ‘Ramsbottom Running Club’, or follow @RammyRunClub on Twitter.