A TEAM of bobbies will put their best feet forward when they take part in a 24-hour charity relay event.

Twelve officers of all ranks from Whickham police station, Gateshead, have signed up for Cancer Research UK's Relay for Life, at the Monkton Stadium, Jarrow next month.

The event, on Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22, is in the North-East for the first time.

Elaine Walker, station administration services manager, said: "Cancer has had a devastating effect on the lives of friends and colleagues at Whickham. We want to support them by raising as much money for Cancer Research UK as possible and Relay for Life is an excellent way to do this and have fun at the same time.

"It would be great if local companies and groups followed our example and signed up to make it a real success.''

The charity's event fundraiser, Jill Campbell, said: "We are looking for teams of eight, ten or 12 people. Team-mates will take it in turns to run or walk around the track.

"When you are not on track, you can join in the party atmosphere which will include team games, line dancing, karaoke and a barbecue.''

The money raised will go to research including projects at Newcastle University and the Institute for Human Genetics at the city's Centre for Life.

The Relay for Life starts at 10am on Saturday, September 22. Registration costs £10 per person or £100 for a team of ten or more. To take part, call Jill on 0191-281 8288.