ZOMBIE running, a bizarre craze that has swept America is about to arrive in the North-East.

The Forestry Commission is hosting the pulse-quickening pursuit in three of the region’s beauty spots.

The frightening fun starts Kielder Forest, Northumberland on February 9, taking in woodland around Stonehaugh, near Wark, and then in Chopwell Wood, near Gateshead, on February 16, and Hamsterley Forest, near Bishop Auckland, on March 2.

The races involve runners negotiating a five kilometre run through the trees chased by a chilling gang of costumed zombies intent on snatching tags from their belts.

The runners are challenged to reach a safe zone alive and intact.

They have three lives in the form of tags attached to the belt and if they lose these to the Zombie pack they are out of the game.

Organiser Penny Hann, from Chopwell, said: “You don't have to run the whole way if you don’t want to and Zombies will be located at various locations to spring a nasty surprise rather than always in hot pursuit.

“We will also have guides, called the Militia, out and about to ensure folk don’t get lost.

“It's something weird, amazing and brilliant fun. As a way to get fit being chased by Zombies has no equal.”

Taking part costs £20-£38. To sign up logon to www.skulltopia-events.co.uk