THE loss of two parents of children at a village school means an annual race fundraiser will be particularly poignant for the community.

It is the 19th Crocodile 8 Race in Burghill this year which sees runners taking on a tough 8.8-mile multi-terrain run.

The event is partly organised by the Burghill Community Academy which had a difficult year last year after two parents from separate families passed away.

A school dad died due to a tragic accident in the village last summer and a school mum died in the autumn in a crash on Dinmore Hill.

Krissie Stevenson, a school mum who helps organise the race, said: "In five months we lost two year four parents of children in the school. There are only 100 children in the school and the likelihood of that happening, it has really rocked the community. It has been quite a difficult year for the school."

Money raised from the race will go towards two charities which helped the families- Phoenix Bereavement Support Services and Midlands Air Ambulance.

Phoenix Bereavement in Hereford supports children, young people and their families when someone close to them dies.

Their third charity is Megan Baker House, which has helped several of the school's children, and is the focus for the Hereford Times fundraising campaign, Project Chrysalis.

The school will also benefit from some of the funds raised.

The Bell Inn at Tillington also organises the race, which this year takes place on Sunday, May 28 at 3pm and starts at Burghill Community Academy.

The route goes around the village, through orchards and the famous crocodile woods (Badnage Woods). The course then crosses the common and ends back at the school.

The after party and prize giving is held at The Bell Inn.

Midlands Air Ambulance will be bringing the air ambulance simulation pod to the event.

The junior race (2.57 miles) for 11 to 16-year-olds takes place at 3pm and follows the main race. The mini fun-runs for pre-school and primary schoolchildren starts at 1.30pm.

For more information go to www.crocodile8.org.uk