THOUSANDS of women flocked to the centre of Worcester yesterday to show their support for cancer sufferers in the Race for Life.

The event - being held in Worcester for the fourth year running - was run by more than 4,000 women hoping to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

They are aiming to collect more than £200,000 for the charity, which funds research into cures for cancer.

But even the women-only event could not escape the excitement of the World Cup.

England's 3-0 triumph over Denmark on Saturday spurred many to don their England strips, and the women started the race to the cry of: "Here we go, here we go..."

Amanda Smith, leisure development officer at Worcester City Council, said organisers were delighted with the event, although they would learn a few lessons and make next year's Race for Life even bigger and better.

"The atmosphere was wonderful and the way the whole event was embraced by the participants, spectators and retail outlets was great," she said.

Each of the participants was rewarded with a goodie bag and a much-needed drink at the finishing line.

The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Robert Rowden, who was at the finish cheering the runners on, said he was was very proud of the participants.

"The women running this race are fantastic," he said.

"Four years ago there were only 650 people doing it, and now there are more than 4,000 raising money for cancer research.

"This is not just a question of winners and losers in the race - the main winners are Cancer Research UK."