RUNNERS are needed to take part in a road race to raise cash for charity.

The first Croft Road Race will take place next month to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Relief. The 10km race, on the Croft racing circuit, near Darlington, will start at 7.30pm on Wednesday, August 8.

A number of top athletes are expected to take part, as the race is one of the last of its kind before the Great North Run. Those who have confirmed include Scottish international Sheila Fairweather, British international Stewart Bell, from Chester-le-Street, and Morag McDonnell, second in the Scottish 5,000m championship.

In a break from the norm, the women will begin four minutes before the men in a handicap start, with the winner scooping two flight tickets to America.

Entry to the race is £7, or £8 on the day. Entry forms are available from Caroline Broadfoot at Macmillan Cancer Relief on 0191-370 9798 or Andrea Adams on 0191-389 0995.