A series of races is being arranged by the Tees Forest organisation across Teesside.

The programme includes a series of six kilometre runs at selected sites, designed to encourage novices and club runners to compete for fun.

The Tees Forest Trail Races follow the success of last year's events which saw more than 220 people compete in a programme of five kilometre races.

Recreation officer Simon Blenkinsop said the races promote the countryside while bringing together club runners and first-timers who might not feel comfortable entering races.

The programme starts with a race at the Castle Eden Walkway, near Stockton, on Thursday.