RESIDENTS throughout the Bromsgrove district are being urged to get together to help speed up the race to cure cancer.

Leisure chiefs at Bromsgrove District Council are appealing for volunteers to join the town's 'Race for Life' on Sunday, July 27.

Councillor June Griffiths, (Con-Alvechurch) cabinet member responsible for leisure, said: "We are looking for runners, joggers, walkers and marshals to come and join us in our bid to raise as much money as we can in aid of this very worthwhile cause.

"Only women can take part in the race, but anyone can be a marshal and although we have quite a few volunteers already, we would welcome more. They will have a very important part to play in the success of the event, to ensure the route is clear and to keep a general eye on things.

"This is the first time we have hosted the Race for Life and we hope it will become an annual event," she added.

The 5km race starts and finishes in Sanders Park, beginning at 11am, going along Kidderminster Road, Willow Road, Broad Street, King Edward Road, Perryfields Road and back into Kidderminster Road.

Around 1,000 women are expected to take up the challenge, tackling the course at their own pace.

Marshals, who must be 18 years or over, will need to be at the park at 9.30am for a briefing before the race begins. It is expected to finish around 1pm.

More details about the race, or anyone wising to volunteer to be a marshal, should contact Susan Lisle, at the council's leisure services department, on 01527 881380.