RUNNERS due to take part in yesterday's OX5 Run at Blenheim Palace were left disappointed when organisers called off the event due to the heavy snow.

Organisers made the decision to postpone the event at about 7am because conditions were too dangerous for runners to take part.

Jason Donovan, the former Neighbours actor and star of ITV drama series Echo Beach, was not only due to start the race, but was one of 550 runners gearing up to take part in the five-mile run.

The event, at the palace in Woodstock, was in aid of rthe Oxford Children's Hospital.

Organisers are now working on an alternative date and hope to announce it this week.

Organiser Jo Coady said: "With people running on paths, we thought it would be too dangerous and slippery."

A few runners had already gone to the venue unaware it had been postponed.

Work colleagues Jason Cobb and Brian Summerfield, lorry drivers at RAF Brize Norton, didn't realise it had been called off until they arrived.

Mr Cobb, of Queen's Road, Carterton, was accompanied by wife Julia, children Tom, 13, Ben, 10, Joe, eight, and Emily, six, as well as family and friends from Bridgend in South Wales.

The 33-year-old said: "We were geared up for it. Nevertheless, we still had fun. We had friends staying with us and we all had a big snow fight."

All runners will receive a letter telling them of the new date.

Graham Brogden, head of community fundraising for Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals, said: "It is such a shame. We don't get snow all year and then we get it today.

"We hope to announce a new date next week and when we know what is happening we will be writing to every runner to let them know."