FITNESS fans will be models as well as runners when they take part in this year's Tees Valley half-marathon.

Runners competing in the annual Redcar event, on March 12, will be given a free T-shirt after completing the 13.1 mile event.

Staff from two Teesside Health Clubs will be modelling the T-shirts as they, too, put their best feet forward on the circular course.

Fitness instructors Tamara Tudge and Dave Smith, from the Coulby Newham branch of Bannatyne's, will be joined by David John Smith, from the Ingleby Barwick branch, to battle it out with the other runners.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick, said: "I'd like to wish everyone the best of luck and hope everybody comes out to watch, compete and enjoy the day."

The half-marathon starts from Redcar Leisure Centre, in Majuba Road, at 10.30am.

Entry is £12.50 for club runners, £14.50 for unattached, with a closing date of Tuesday.

Forms are available from www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk or by calling (01642) 471503 or 496425.

There will be a limited number of late entries allowed, from 8am on the day, with an additional charge of £1.50.