A FITNESS instructor is limbering up and inspiring Preston women to get in shape for this year's Race for Life.

Aerobics teacher Anne Blydgen, 32, will be taking the lead in the warm up at Preston Sport's Arena on Sunday June 1.

It will be the eighth year Anne has entered Cancer Research UK's event, but the first time she will act as a motivating force to get women round the track.

"It's a great day and I'm really looking forward to taking the warm-up," she said.

"Cancer touches so many people's lives. Nearly everyone you meet has a story to tell. I lost my cousin, Caroline Jones when she was just 38. She left a 16-year-old son who now lives with his grandparents.

"She had cancer of the oesophagus which is very difficult to treat and she battled on. Caroline made sure she spent lots of time with her family towards the end of her life and went on holidays with them."

The fitness guru, who holds aerobics classes across the city, including the Salvation Army's Walker Street offices, shed more than five stone herself after deciding to take up aerobics and now advises women how to keep fit and eat sensibly.

The 5km race is open to women of all ages and abilities and if you don't feel up to running you can walk.

Entry forms are available from The Citizen's Winckley Square offices, at Tesco stores, from the website at www.raceforlife.org or by calling 08705 134 314.

Entries must be in before Friday, May 23, and all money raised goes toward cancer research.