A FOREST will come alive with colour as The Butterwick Hospice throws its annual Rainbow Dash.

The event, which is now in its fifth year, will see people of all ages take on the 5k fun run while being covered in bright paint, in Hamsterley Forest, on Sunday, June 24.

For the first time this year, participants will also have to tackle fun obstacles including tyre jumps and hay bales.

Butterwick Hospice fundraiser, Helen Kirby, said the charity was expecting 300 people to take on the challenge and it promises to be fun for all the family.

This year's event will also be opened by Kezi and Tilly Smith, the widow and daughter of PC Gavin Smith, of Bishop Auckland, who died of cancer last year.

The event takes place between 11am and 3pm. Entry costs £20 for adults and £15 for children aged six to 16. Children aged five and under are free. A family ticket for two adults and two children is £55, and those aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. To register, go to butterwick.org.uk/events/rainbowdash