GRANDFATHER Joe Vazquez was not too concerned about participating in a five-mile run – because the last race he ran was in front of a bull.

The 64-year-old joined more than 500 participants at JCB's 27th Lakeside Five and Fun Run last night.

The grandfather-of-four, from Lower Tean, wasn't showing any visible scars from getting involved in the famous Pamplona Bull Run earlier this month.

But he did don the red neckerchief which participants in the Spanish event wear for the digger maker's race yesterday.

The 825-metre bull run usually sees six fighting bulls and two herds of bullocks chase entrants through the streets.

And Joe, who works as an export customer service adviser at JCB, said: "It was the most frightening thing I have ever done."

The father-of-four, who is originally from Barcelona, joined 438 others in yesterday's five-mile run – the Lakeside Five – outside JCB's Rocester base.

And it was easy to spot Joe as he completed the course while waving a Spain flag.

"I'm very proud of Spain winning the World Cup and my colleagues have all been very pleased for me," he said.

Earlier, in the 2.2-mile fun run – which attracted 103 entrants – JCB worker Dave Green took part for the first time. The 48-year-old, from Cheadle, entered with nine-year-old daughter Georgia.

And Dave, who works at the Rocester base as a manufacturing manager, said: "This is the first time I have taken part in this.

"I've done it for my daughter as she really wanted to do it."

Cheadle Primary School pupil Georgia said: "I really wanted my dad to be part of the race and to run with me."

Mum Angela, aged 43, a hairdresser, entered the five-mile race.

The mother-of-four, who also competed in this year's London Marathon, said: "It has become a real family affair as my other two daughters run. It's such a stress-buster."

The two races helped raise £3,000 for the NSPCC.

And entrants were handed a specially-designed medal to mark the company's 65th anniversary.

Another family connection saw barman Jason Richards, aged 40, take part in the fun run, which was open to anyone, with three-year-old son Thomas. Jason, who travelled from Bilston, near Wolverhampton, for the race, pushed the toddler around the course in his pushchair.

And he said: "This is the 27th event we have both been in.

"He seems to enjoy it and likes getting medals and certificates."

Race director Mick Smith, aged 65, from Rocester, helped organise the event from the beginning.

Retired Mick, who worked at JCB for 48 years, said: "It all started from a group of people having a run at lunchtime. It's been a good turnout this year and we're very pleased."

Runner Ben Gamble won the five-mile race for the fourth time in as many years with a time of 26 minutes and 10 seconds.

And the 28-year-old, from Stone, said: "I feel very lucky to have won. It was a really good race."