A MAXIMUM field of 1,500 women of all ages will take part in a race this weekend to raise funds to fight cancer.

Hartlepool hosts its first Race For Life - a 5km sponsored race organised by Cancer Research UK and supported by Tesco - on Sunday.

Created in 1994, Race For Life has grown to become the largest women-only fundraising event in the UK, so far generating ,ore than £140m for cancer research.

Hundreds of thousands of women take part each year, in races staged around the country, including one in Darlington, last weekend, and in Middlesbrough on June 22 and 23.

Due to its growing reputation as a road race venue, Hartlepool was invited by Cancer Research UK to host a race this year.

The event starts at 11am near the Newburn Bridge car park, and will follow a loop along Coronation Drive to the middle of the Prom at Seaton Carew, and then returning to Hartlepool along the Prom.

Lesley Strickland, Hartlepool Borough Council's events officer, who will be running in the race, said: "The response to the race has been absolutely fantastic, and all 1,500 places were snapped up very quickly.

"This is a marvellous opportunity for women of all ages and abilities to come together, have fun and raise much-needed cash to fight a cruel disease."

Drivers are warned that the road along Seaton sea front will be closed between Newburn Bridge and Station Lane from 10.45am for about an hour while the race takes place. Diversions will be in operation and will be signposted.