WOMEN of all ages and abilities can take part in Bolton's Race for Life because entrants can run or even walk at their own pace.

That is the message that Cold Feet star Hermione Norris wants to get across to Bolton women who are thinking about entering Bolton's first Race for life on Sunday June 22 at Leverhulme Park.

In a letter to co-sponsor, the Bolton Evening News, Hermione wrote: "The focus is not on competing, but taking part at your own pace, and the atmosphere is always fantastic, with many women joining up with colleagues and friends, some even wear fancy dress to stand out amongst the crowd."

Cancer Research UK's Race for Life is a unique series of 5 km events across the UK, where women walk or run together to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

Race for Life is now in its 10th year and has raised more than £35 million towards treating, curing and preventing cancers that affect women.

Women who have taken part in the races have included those who have personally fought cancer or who wanted to celebrate someone in their life who has been touched by cancer. Many women run just to raise vital funds for a good cause.

Entrants can run as individuals or in teams consisting of either colleagues, friends or relatives.

The race is just 3.1 miles long and can either be walked or run.

Bolton race organiser David Martin said: "All ages have entered - there has been a wide spectrum of people. Women in their 90s can run right down to small children who are accompanying their mums.

"There have been no specific age groups. Different generations in families can run.

"Race for Life is for everyone."

Latest numbers show more than 800 women have already signed up to enter the Bolton race and organisers expected that figure to reach the 1,500 mark. Anyone who wants to run must enter the race by June 15. Entries will not be accepted after that date and people will not be allowed to enter on the day for health and safety reasons.

To enter call the Race for Life hotline on 08705 134 314, log on to http://www.raceforlife.org or send postal entries to Race for Life, PO Box 50, Crawley, RH10 9WA.

There is an entry fee of £7.50 for adults and £4.50 for under 18s.

We would like to hear from anyone who has a special reason for running the race. Perhaps you have battled cancer yourself, or you are running in memory of a loved one.

We would also like to hear from anyone who is running in a team or has an unusual reason for taking part. Please contact Ruth Jolley on 01204 537237 or email rjolley@boltoneveningnews.co.uk or write to Ruth Jolley, Bolton Evening News, Newspaper House, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1DE .