Runners and non-runners alike will tomorrow lace up their trainers and begin a month of pounding the streets.

Hundreds of people across Cumbria are expected to take part in RED January, which sees participants Run Every Day (RED) throughout the month.

It aims to raise money and awareness of mental health concerns and the charities which support people struggling.

The five Cumbrian branches of Mind, the mental health charity, have joined forces again following a record breaking first year.

Caroline Robinson, community fundraising officer for Carlisle Eden Mind, said: "More than 80 people took part in RED January for Carlisle Eden Mind in 2017 and together raised £17,000 in just four weeks – a fantastic total.

"All money raised goes directly towards supporting people with mental health problems in the Carlisle and Eden districts.

"We’re so pleased to be supported by so many local gyms, running groups, workplaces, organisations and schools. This challenge really has captured the imagination of our county."

Jean-Ann Gate took part in RED January 2017 to kick-start her fitness goals.

"I set a target of one-mile a day and completed more than 31 miles by the end of the challenge," she recalled.

"In the months since RED January I have run more than 300 miles, lost more than four stone in weight and am training for the London Marathon.

"In addition to that, I raised nearly £400 for Carlisle Eden Mind from my supportive friends and family. If you told me I would achieve all that I wouldn’t have believed you."

DH Runners member Emma Taylor, 28, from Currock, Carlisle has signed up do RED 2018.

She said: "I’m signing up to raise awareness and much needed and deserved funds for Carlisle Eden Mind.

"I haven’t been affected myself by mental health problems but I know many who have and seen the effects it can have.

"By raising awareness I hope to make it easier for people to talk about as it’s still a subject people don’t like to talk about or even hear about.

"I also hope to run with fellow RED-ders throughout the month and get to meet some new people. "

While it is called Run, people can hop, skip, walk and roll their way each day - the aim is simply to get out and exercise every day, highlighting the positive impact exercise can have on your mental wellbeing.

RED’s founder, 32-year-old Hannah Beecham, was inspired to start the movement after helping her Mum combat depression through physical exercise.

"Witnessing the life-changing effect that a physical challenge can have on someone suffering from depression, inspired me to start a social movement that promotes mental well-being through exercise," she said.

Three Carlisle parkruns this month will become "takeover" days in aid of RED for Carlisle Eden Mind, the first of which is tomorrow's New Year's Day parkrun from 9am at Morton Manor, Wigton Road.