TEAMS of rival athletes at a car dealership in Darlington are preparing for a major North-East running event.

More than 1,000 runners are expected to take part in the Darlington 10km road run, which takes place on Sunday, August 11.

And employees from sponsors CD Bramall Ford Dealership will enter competing teams to pound the streets for charity.

Each department is entering a separate team, and the winning department is expected to receive a trophy, with a booby prize for the losers.

Car sales manager Richard McVay said: "We have been training hard. I have even entered the gym and altered my diet - our department is determined to win.

"We are even going to have a practice run at the Eastbourne Sports Complex."

Darlington Borough Council, which is organising the run, said entries were "flying in" for the road run.

For the first time this year, the race will take a different, two-lap circuit, along Stanhope Road, Woodlands Road, Carmel Road and Coniscliffe Road, finishing in the town centre.

Young athletes aged 13 to 18 will also be able to take part in a 3.5km junior race for the first time, along with a 2km fun run.

Last year saw the largest ever field of runners entering the race, breaking the 1,000 mark for the first time.

This year's event is being supported by The Northern Echo and radio station Alpha 103.2FM.