ENTHUSIASTIC youngsters are in training for a popular annual fun-run and 10km race which raises thousands of pounds for their village school.

The youngsters, from Fountains CE School in Grantley, near Ripon, are also urging their parents and grandparents to join in.

The 10km race, which attracts hundreds of runners from all over the country, will set off from the school Sunday, April 26 at 11am, after the one mile fun run, for children and adults of all abilities, at 9.30am.

For the first time this year, the Fun Run, which usually attracts about 120 runners, will include a fancy dress section, with prizes for the best costumes.

Organisers are expecting around 350 people from all over the country to join in the 10 km race, which is now in its eleventh year, and is the first in the Black Sheep Brewery-sponsored series of cross country races.

One of the organisers, Dawn Osman, said that last year runners had to be turned away from the main event as entry numbers reached full capacity.

"We are urging people to get their entry forms in as soon as possible this year," she added.

"Our event has grown in popularity and is now quite a well known fixture in the running world."

Contact the school on 01765-620631 or Dawn Osman on 01765-650081 for further details. Entry forms are available to download from the school website www.grantleyfountains.ik.org