RUNNERS are invited to compete against some of Britain's top athletes tonight - and help cancer patients.

Internationally-known runners will mingle with fun runners and wheelchair athletes at the Croft racing circuit, near Darlington.

The 10km event has been organised by Chester-le-Street Athletic Club's Andrea Adams to raise cash for the Macmillan cancer charity's County Durham Appeal.

Starting at 7.30pm, it is still not too late to turn up, pay the £8 race entry fee and take part.

Ms Adams was inspired to organise the Croft event after a running colleague's husband died from cancer.

She was impressed by the Macmillan Cancer Relief organisation, which provides a network of nurses and doctors to care for patients who are in the later stages of their illness.

"It is marvellous. We are expecting people like British international Stewart Bell from Chester-le-Street, and top Scottish runner Morag McDonnell," said Ms Adams.

The fundraisers will be joined by fun-runners and wheelchair athletes.

An added incentive is the chance to win two flight tickets to the US.

Caroline Peacock, coordinator of the County Durham Appeal, said the aim is to raise £600,000 over three years to fund a consultant in palliative care and two cancer-specialist nurses.

l For more information about the Macmillan County Durham Appeal ring 0191-370 9798.