HUNDREDS of runners of all ages are preparing to take to the streets of Newton Aycliffe for the town's annual 10km road race.

Sponsored by 3M Aycliffe, the race on Sunday, June 15 is expected to attract a bigger entry than last year, when 200 people completed the full course and another 120 opted for the 3km fun run.

The event has been organised for the past six years by members of Newton Aycliffe Athletics Club, who originally started it to encourage the local community to get fit.

Race director Sue Milburn said: "We are delighted that so many local people have taken up the challenge over the years.

"It's a fairly flat course, which is always popular, and it offers a great opportunity for serious runners to achieve a personal best at that distance. At the same time, lots of people take part to raise sponsorship money for charity."

Among those tackling the course of two-and-a-half laps of Newton Aycliffe will be more than two dozen members of the 3M workforce.

The company has backed the race with £2,000, including the cost of providing T-shirts for every entrant.

3M's Alan Kellett, who will be among the runners, said: "It is a very important local event for those taking part and for the many charities they will be supporting."

Application forms for the run are available from Kevin Greenall, 6 The Covert, Newton Aycliffe, or contact Sue or Peter Milburn on (01325) 321963.