TWO police officers are hoping to raise hundreds of pounds for charities close to their hearts when they take part in this year's Great North Run.

PC Daniel McAyley and PC Victoria Barnett, who work out of Barnard Castle police station, in County Durham, will don their running shoes to raise money for two cancer charities after relatives of both officers were diagnosed with the condition.

PC McAyley, from Darlington, will be running in aid of World Cancer Research Fund, which funds research and education programmes that focus on the link between cancer and lifestyle.

Up to 40 per cent of cancers could be prevented by having a healthy diet, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight.

The 32-year-old said: "Two of my grandparents died of cancer when I was very young, and my grandad is currently battling prostate cancer. I also have a family friend with lung cancer.

"I've seen first-hand how cancer can affect not only the individual, but their family and friends as well. This is brought home to me again as I have to attend sudden deaths in my daily work as a police officer."

PC Barnett, from Crook, County Durham, is running for Breast Cancer Care, a charity which provides breast cancer patients and their families with support.

The 26-year-old has decided to run for this charity because her mother, Brenda Barnett, underwent surgery and chemotherapy at North Tees Hospital, in Stockton, after being diagnosed with breast cancer last year.

PC Barnett, who has been a police officer for five years, has just completed the Darlington 10k in preparation for the run.

"I have been training since February. I am doing long runs and training four times a week," she said. "I am hoping to raise at least £300."

She added: "All the nurses at the hospital were great with my mum. When I looked at doing something, I wanted to do something for them."

Anyone who would like to sponsor PC McAyley or PC Barnett is asked to contact Barnard Castle police office on 0845-6060365.

l The Great North Run will take place on Sunday, September 30. It starts in Newcastle and finishes at South Shields, South Tyneside