THE pink signs pinned to the backs of runners' vests provided the most poignant image at Sunday's Race for Life in Darlington.

Hundreds of them were on view at the town's South Park, each giving the name of a loved one whose life had been blighted by cancer.

Almost 2,500 women ran the 5km race - all with their own personal reasons and to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The event, compered by DJs Shaun Harrington and Chris Hakin from Alpha Radio 103.2 and backed by The Northern Echo, is expected to raise about £80,000 for the charity.

Organiser Jill Campbell said it had gone without a hitch, thanks to the help of stewards from Darlington Borough Council, the Quakers running club and Darlington Harriers. She said: "All we can do now is urge participants to send in their sponsorship money."

* Sponsorship forms and cheques, should be sent to Race for Life, PO Box 50, Crawley RH10 9WA.