HEALTH chiefs have decided to lead by example by taking part in a charity road race.

Five directors of Darlington Primary Care Trust are in training to take part in the town's 10K Road Run or the shorter Fun Run.

They hope to draw attention to the need to remain active to stay healthy.

The team is also taking part in support of The Northern Echo's Chance to Live campaign, which highlights the importance of preventing heart disease.

Darlington Primary Care Trust's chief executive, Colin Morris, head of primary care Carole Harder, director of public health Nonnie Crawford, director of finance Peter Chrisp and director of planning and performance Paul Steward will take part in the event, sponsored by Sherwoods car dealership, on Sunday, August 8.

They plan to raise money for Darlington's St Teresa's Hospice.

Mr Morris said: "It is important to adopt the community leadership approach, and we are putting our money where our mouths are by doing something which will improve our own fitness too. Let's face it, we all need to do a little more and it is up to us to take a lead."

Darlington Borough Council's events manager, Jeff Dawson, said almost 400 people had signed up to take part in the race so far.

He expects 1,000 people to run in the main event and 200 in the fun run.

The time to beat is 30 minutes, 21 seconds, set last year by Martin Scaife, who has won the race for the past three years.

Entry forms are available in the Dolphin Centre, Darlington, or at www.runnersworld.co.uk