MEMBERS of a Worcester amateur dramatic society have started training for the 2007 Cancer Research UK's Race For Life.

Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society's Youth Section team will join thousands of other runners when the 5km women-only sponsored event comes to Pitchcroft on Sunday, June 10, and then runs through the city centre.

The event, which starts at 11am, aims to bring together 5,500 women of all ages and abilities in a bid to reach the fund raising target of £380,000.

Over the years WODYS has raised more than £12,000 for various charities and the 20-strong team of members, helpers and parents hopes to top £1,000 at the June event.

Beverly Abbs, WODYS publicity officer, said: "We are keen to give something back to the community and youngsters and adults alike jumped at the chance to be involved in Race For Life.

"Many more of the youngsters would have liked to take part, but several of them will be in rehearsal that Sunday for our summer show, Hot Mikado, to be staged at Worcester's Swan Theatre from Tuesday, July 31, to Saturday, August 4. However, we have had sponsorship and good wishes from them.

"We have all started training in various ways, some at the gym, others running on the roads.

"When it comes to the day, I think the youngsters will be running and the older members of the group will probably end up walking most of the way.

"We are all doing it for various people we have known who have had cancer. I'm taking part in memory of the mother of a former member of WODYS who was a good friend and died of the disease."

This year WODYS celebrates its 25th anniversary and is having a party and entertainment by former members who are taking a trip down Memory Lane with songs from the shows at Worcester's Swan Theatre on Sunday, June 17. For tickets ring Huntingdon Hall box office, 01905 611427.