THREE generations of a family will take part in the Great North Run this year.

Grandmother Monica Frood will join her daughter-in-law, Gill, and two grandsons, Tom and Daniel, for the race on Sunday, September 30.

The family, from Saltburn, east Cleveland, are taking part because it has always been 69-year-old Monica's ambition.

The group are running for Diabetes UK because Tom, nine, was diagnosed with diabetes two years ago.

Gill Frood, 41, said: "As my mother-in-law is from Newcastle, she has always wanted to run the course.

"We thought now would be a great time to raise some money and help her achieve her dream."

The family hope to raise £3,000 for the charity, which aims to raise funds for research into diabetes, and awareness in the region.

Monica and Gill will run the half marathon, while Tom and his seven-year-old brother, Daniel, will take part in the junior race.

Jeff Breen, fundraising manager for Diabetes UK in the Northern and Yorkshire region, said: "We are thrilled to have a family like this taking part. The endorsement of a group who know exactly the problems that diabetes can cause is fantastic."