HUNDREDS of people are being encouraged to sign up to pound the streets of a North-East town - and take a big step towards a healthy lifestyle.

The annual Darlington 10K Road Run is coming soon, and organisers are hopeful of this year's event being the best ever.

The event, which sees runners winding their way around the town centre, will be staged for the 18th time on Sunday, August 14.

Last year's run attracted nearly 1,200 participants for the main 10k course, the three-kilometre junior race and the fun run.

The popular event will again be linked to The Northern Echo's award-winning A Chance to Live campaign, which aims to highlight the importance of taking steps to prevent heart disease.

The campaign was launched by the newspaper in the wake of the death of its deputy chief photographer, Ian Weir, at the age of 38.

After securing millions of pounds worth of investment in coronary care, it is now focused on helping to prevent heart problems occurring.

The run will be sponsored by Sherwoods Chevrolet and held in association with The Northern Echo, Darlington Borough Council, Highland Spring, Saucony, Darlington Primary Care Trust and Alpha Radio.

Sherwoods' managing director, Alasdair MacConachie, said: "It's a great event, probably one of the highlights of the year in Darlington.

"We have been involved with it for three years now, and it's such a worthwhile project.

"It involves all ages and really encourages healthy living."

Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, said: "The 10K run ties in ideally with our Chance to Live campaign and we hope as many people as possible will take part and embrace the healthy living message."

Jeff Dawson, of Darlington Council's leisure services team, said: "We had 1,200 runners last year and we're really hoping to top that."

The event has raised more than £40,000 for good causes in the past. This year's run will be raising money for Darlington Rotary Club's nominated charities - the Friends of Darlington Memorial Hospital and St Teresa's Hospice.

For more information, telephone (01325) 388427 or 388410.