THE last call has gone out for people of all ages and abilities to take part in this year's Acorns Great Malvern Triple Run.

The huge fund-raiser takes place at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, on Sunday, July 1, and has already attracted more than 1,100 entries.

Today was due to be the deadline for applicants, but that has now been extended to encourage more people to take part.

Chairman of the organising committee Chris Price said: "We are thrilled to have received more than 1,100 entries up to date, but the more the merrier and we want to create a good party atmosphere.

"We are fortunate to have additional volunteers to help with the administration this year so that we can turn around applications in double-quick time.

"We are happy to extend the final deadline for entries so that people have more time to enter."

There are three races on the day - the Great Malvern Run, the Malvern Spring Run and the Chicken Run to raise money for Acorns Children's Hospice and other charities.

Named after the Aardman Animations film of the same name, the Chicken Run is designed to be first and foremost fun, but also to break down the barriers between able and disabled children.

The wheelchair-friendly course comes complete with ramps and chicanes.

This year Aardman is backing the event and donating banners and visual displays.

Those who enter either the Chicken Run or the Great Malvern Run can raise funds for any charity of their choice.

Those taking part in the Malvern Spring Run will raise money for Acorns.

The Great Malvern Run is Worcestershire's only official half marathon.

It costs £5 to enter the Chicken or Spring Runs.

The half marathon costs £14/£16, and the entrants receive a goody bag and a specially minted Acorns medal on finishing the run.

Entries for the Malvern Spring Run and Chicken Run can be taken up to the day of the event, although people are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

People wanting to take part in the half marathon need to apply by next week.

Application forms can be collected from the Worcester News office, are easily downloaded from the event website www.malvernrun.org.uk or they can be ordered from the Acorns hotline on 01386 554848.