BOLTON'S first Race for Life has been declared a roaring success by its organiser, who says it will be the first of many.

More than 1,200 women braved the heat to run the 5km course at Leverhulme Park on Sunday -- well over the estimated 800 participants.

The Bolton event, which aims to raise £48,000 for Cancer Research, was one of three new venues in the North-west this year and organiser Dave Martin has praised the commitment and support of the women of Greater Manchester.

He said: "There was a brilliant atmosphere at Bolton and everyone I have spoken to thoroughly enjoyed it. It went really well, without incident and was even more of a success than anticipated. We thought bringing new races to Bolton, Wigan and Stockport might reduce the numbers at the main Manchester race, but we were pleasantly surprised and will definitely be coming back to Bolton."

A total of 130 races are being held across the country throughout summer with the aim of raising £17.5 million for Cancer Research.

Greater Manchester had the biggest turn out in the country and the Manchester race, held at Heaton Park on June 8, had the third highest attendance in the UK with 8,000 runners.

The Wigan race, held at Haigh Hall in May, attracted 1,500 people. The Stockport race takes place at Woodbank Park on Sunday July 6.