LANCASTER'S Williamson Park is to provide a spectacular backdrop for a major sporting event later this year.

The UK's leading orienteers in all age categories will take part in the British Sprint Orienteering Championship, which takes place in the park on Saturday, April 20 as part of the British Blodslitet weekend.

The following days sees Simpson's Ground and Gummers How, near Windermere, host the British version of Norway's famous 'Blood race'.

Competitors finishing the British event within 50 per cent of the winning time will scoop a trip to take part in the original race in Norway in October.

Spectators are most welcome at the Lancaster event, with the inter-primary schools event starting as 12pm with the British championships starting at 12 noon.

Participants and spectators will be able to take advantage of special concessions available at the park facilities

Anyone interested in entering the competition or in search of more details can telephone 01524 581387, email blodslitet.entries@btopenworld.com or visit the website at http://www.sroc.org/blodslitet.htm.