'WATCH your step' is the message for women entering Race for Life from one man who knows all about sprains and strains.

Michael Jackson, 30, is the county staff officer for St John Ambulance, Garstang Road, Preston, and will be volunteering at the Race for Life event, backed by The Citizen, on Sunday, June 1, at Preston Sports Arena.

Volunteers are in radio contact with the ambulance service making sure treatment is on hand.

Michael was inspired to become a cadet with St John's at the age of 12 after seeing a man collapse and die at a community bonfire in his home town of Padiham, near Burnley.

He said he had no idea what to do and decided to learn first aid. These days he attends home matches at Preston North End and was on duty at the last Preston Guild in 1992 as well as numerous carnivals and pop concerts to make sure crowds are safe.

He said: "You have to be prepared for any eventuality.

"The worst accident for me happened at in Clitheroe where a mock battle was being enacted and one of the participants fell on a detonator.

"There was a massive explosion and I had to treat burns."

Michael is hoping Cancer Research UK's fund-raiser Race for Life will be less eventful. He said runners and spectators should make sure they have plenty of liquids and sunscreen.

"I will be there for help and advice should anyone need it," he said.

Race for Life application forms are available in The Citizen's Winckley Square Offices, on-line at www.raceforlife.org or from Tesco supermarket, Leyland. All entries must be submitted by Friday, May 23.