MORE than 100 residents will be taking part in a Witchfinder General-themed run for charity.

Simon Tavner has organised a 5k Witchfinder trail which passes through Manningtree and Mistley.

The 42-year-old has planned for the route to go through a range of historical sites linked to Mistley’s self-proclaimed Witchfinder General Matthew Hopkins.

The infamous figure lived in the village in the mid-1600s and accused hundreds of women and a few men of being witches.

These victims were imprisoned, tortured and killed.

He is thought to have lived at what is now the Mistley Thorn and held preliminary examinations of those accused of witchcraft at the White Hart, in Manningtree.

Mr Tavner, of Lawford, said as a keen runner he thought it would be a good idea to create the trail as there is a lot of history in the area about Matthew Hopkins.

The route is about 3.1 miles through Manningtree, Mistley and Furze Hill.

It will go through a green thought to be used for hanging witches, the ducking pond, the courtroom, and other local sites, including the walls, the Mistley Towers and the 800-year-old oak tree called Old Knobbley.

The trail continues along a short section of the Essex Way before the route finishes at Acorn Village, in Clacton Road.

The pushchair and wheelchair route will go to the majority of the sites, except Old Knobbley, and it is slightly shorter at 2.8 miles.

Mr Tavner said: “We’re full steam ahead with preparations, it’s going to be busy, but everything looks good for the day.

“We currently have over 130 people signed up for the race, which is very close to our maximum limit of 150.

“Our T-shirts have been designed and are available for pre-order and we have around 20 volunteers who have given up their time to help out.”

Money raised from the event will go to Acorn Village, a charity for adults with learning disabilities.

Mr Tavner added: “I’m hoping we’ll raise around £1,000 for Acorn Village and with the help of our sponsors this should be achievable.

“It should be a great day.”

The charity run is taking place 10am at Acorn Village.

There will be a race briefing at 9.40am in the front field and participants should aim to arrive between 8.45am and 9.30am.

All finishers will receive a medal and there will be refreshments available at Acorn Village at the end of the race.

For more information, visit www.witchfindertrail.uk.