WOMEN across South Lakeland are being urged to dust off their trainers and help raise £120,000 by taking part in the fifth annual Race for Life event in aid of Cancer Research UK.

The venue's been booked, the sponsor-forms printed and the training plans devised and now 2,000 daughters, mums, grannies and aunts are being sought to take part in the five km event, which will be at the Westmorland County Showground near Crooklands on Sunday, May 20.

One of the most picturesque of the 247 venues hosting the annual women-only fundraiser across the UK this year, the fields and lanes around Crookland have welcomed thousands of participants - of all ages and fitness levels - since 2002.

And race organisers hope that this year local women and their sponsors will help to raise a staggering national target of £60million - all of which will be ploughed back into researching the cause and developing treatments and cures for cancer.

"We all know someone who has been affected by cancer and that fact alone is really bad. But this is a chance for us women to try and do our bit and to make a difference," explained Lake District race organiser Katie Birkett.

"Race for Life has gone from strength to strength since it began in Battersea in London in 1994. That year 680 women took part and raised £36,000. Last year, the event was held in 240 different locations and 750,000 women helped to raise a massive £46million, which is really quite breathtaking.

"I would urge anyone who is thinking about taking part to get signed up while places are still available. Or if anyone would like to lend their support by helping out, or by sponsoring someone taking part, we would love to hear from them."

It costs £10 to take part and you can register by calling 08705-134314 or logging on to: www.raceforlife.org.