A LEYLAND sprinter has leapt over the first hurdle and signed up for Race for Life.

Amanda Keenan, 40, of Bellis Way, moved to Leyland three years ago and wanted to get fit after having children Charlie, seven, and Roisin, 11.

She found out about Running Network, a national organisation for women who want to get in-shape, and applied to set one up in Leyland.

Three weeks on, Amanda is taking it all in her stride with 14 get-fit fanatics, who she leads on a jog around the town every Tuesday.

Amanda, a part-time lecturer in IT at Preston College, said: "It's great, this club is just what we need! A lot of organisations don't really cater for women of my ability. I'm not a major competitor but want to keep fit.

"We meet for a coffee at Tesco and run around the store and down to West Paddock where there is a good sized stretch of grass.

Before Amanda had her children she was a keen sprinter having completed the Great North Run. The network aims to build up stamina and also provides information on fitness. "We have sessions where we look at nutrition and which kind of running shoes to buy," she said. "We even did pelvic floor exercises the other day!" The group provides an excellent starting point for women looking to take part in the Race for Life, Cancer Research UK's fund-raising event, backed by The Citizen.

The 5km stroll or run is on Sunday June 1 at Preston Sports Arena. Application forms are available from Tesco supermarket, Leyland, The Citizen's offices, Winckley Square, Preston or online at www.raceforlife.org