CANCER scientists are swapping their test tubes for trainers as they get ready for an event to help fund their work.

A team of 15 researchers and laboratory staff from Durham University will take part in the 5km women-only Race for Life, organised by Cancer Research UK.

The team, from the department of biomedical and biological sciences, will be joining Race for Life at Sunderland's Herrington Country Park on Sunday, June 5.

Team captain Lorna Marshall, 23, from Langley Park, County Durham, has a post funded by Cancer Research UK.

She said: "Cancer cells can grow, invade other tissues, and spread to other parts of the body.

"I'm working with a team of scientists looking at how cancer cells move and invade other tissues.

"This could help design better treatments and tools for diagnosing cancer in the future."

Every week, 120 women in the North-East are diagnosed with cancer.

Cancer Research UK's Race for Life, supported by Tesco, is a series of fundraising walks or runs open to women of all fitness levels.

Already more than 11,800 women have signed up for five events in the North-East.

Janet Cooper, Cancer Research UK race organiser, said: "We are delighted that so many women have already registered.

"There are places available for Race for Life in Sunderland but you need to register as soon as possible."

Cancer Research UK supports the work of scientists, doctors and nurses in the North-East. Every penny raised in sponsorship will go towards research.

To enter log on to www.race forlife.org or call the hotline on 08705 134 314.