Hundreds of runners have been pounding around the historic streets of Rochester tonight.

The return of the Medway Mile comes after taking a year off due to the pandemic with the eagerly awaited return greeted by cheering crowds and a party atmosphere.

Fun and games began at 5pm near Rochester Castle for the first children's races taking place at 5.15pm in the Castle Gardens.

The mascot race kicked off at 6pm and the adults competitive race got under way 30 minutes later.

At 7pm, crowds of runners crossed the start line to take in the historic surroundings of the town centre.

The last time the event was held in 2019, the campaign to become UK City of Culture 2025 was launched by Medway Council.

Free sporting taster sessions and activities and fitness classes were available to take part in by the castle throughout the evening.

People were also able to sample a range of sports from basketball to climbing, cricket to kickboxing.

Inflatables and family fun were also put on making carnival atmosphere and celebration for the evening.

The competitive races were won by Tom Collins (Medway and Maidstone AC) in the men's race and Abigail Roydon (Medway and Maidstone AC) in the women's.

In the mascot race, the trusted hound from Kent Police PD Barker took the title this year with a barnstorming finish.

Cid the Cig puffed and panted his way to the line collapsing in the final feet with an important public health message to quit to help people improve their own personal health.

Runner Jenni Horn said: "There was a great atmosphere again this year with everyone cheering and encouraging each other around the course.

"My children loved trying all the other sports as well. They had a go at boxing balance bikes and football."

Medway Council's public health teams and partners have been on hand to give out information and advice.

Meanwhile, the NHS provided a pop-up Covid-19 vaccination zone and testing service throughout the evening.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway