This year’s Paul Trigwell Island Run (PTIR) includes a new initiative in the form of a bucket challenge.

Sponsored by Phil Chislet, manager of the Aviator pub in Queenborough, the task involves businesses taking a pail and filling it with money until Friday, June 5.

Twenty buckets are available and the firm which collects the most cash will receive a trophy at the PTIR awards evening on Friday, June 19.

Bethan McIntosh, daughter of former St George’s primary head teacher Paul who died in 2006, said: “We’re really excited about this new challenge as it’s another way for our community to support our charity and help children on our Island.”

The Island Run, which is in its ninth year, takes places on Sunday, May 10.

Entrants are encouraged to take part in 1940s attire as the race’s fancy dress wartime theme is to commemorate the 70th anniversary of VE Day.

As is the tradition, the run includes two and 10-mile distances as well as a 10-mile relay.

Money raised from the race will go towards a memorial fund set up to support the “social, emotional and academic development of young people” on Sheppey.

In 2014, a record-breaking 682 people took part, and since 2006 the contest has collected £106,000.

Fiona Trigwell, Paul’s widow, who traditionally fires the starting pistol for the races, has set a fundraising target of more than £10,000 for this year’s run.

The 10-mile walk will be the first event to start, at 8.30am from the green opposite Leysdown pitch-and-putt course.

The 10-mile run will begin from 10am at the same place, while the two-mile relay gets underway from 10.30am at the Beach pub.

All races end at Beachfields Park in Sheerness opposite the fair.

Entrants can sign up for the race on the day or register in advance at: www.ptir.org.uk.

For the bucket challenge, companies should email: ftrigwell@ptir.org.uk or phone 07805 803379.