A FOOTBALL club which lost a star striker when he had a heart attack on the pitch has backed the British Heart Foundation's York City Jog.

And the players from York City FC are urging others to take part in the sponsored event at the Knavesmire on Tuesday, April 15 at 6pm.

The 5km or 3km Jog is open to all abilities - you can run, walk or crawl - and the football club and the BHF are urging people to join in, get active and have fun to help their own hearts and those of others.

Last year the event - known as the Heart's First York City Job - saw a record number of local people taking part and this year hopes to attract 1000 people and raise over £25,000 for the BHF's life-saving work in the region.

York City FC wants to support the BHF as one of its star players, striker David Longhurst, died on the pitch in 1990 of a heart attack aged just 25.

He was the first player to die in a Football League match in 69 years. The club named its stand at its Bootham Crescent site the David Longhurst Stand in his memory and the incident led the Football Association to introduce heart scans for players.

Nick Bassett, York City FC club secretary said: "This is a great community event and the club is really pleased to be involved again in 2008."

Entry to the York City Jog is £10 in advance (£5 for children 16 and under) and £15 on the day. All joggers will receive a free T-shirt and goody bag.

For more details or to register for the event contact BHF on Freephone 0800-917-6976.