STARS from one of the nation's favourite soaps are to descend on Darwen for a charity fell race.

Emmerdale actors Chris Chittel, who plays rogue antique dealer Eric Pollard, Emma Atkins, alias cheating Charity Dingle, and Jeff Hordley, the villainous Cain Dingle, will enter the David Staff Memorial Race on December 9.

An early appeal is being launched for runners to get involved this year to help make the race a success.

The five-mile fell race involves 900 feet of climbing and centres on Sunnyhurst Woods, in Darwen.

David Staff, of Carus Avenue, Hoddlesden, died after collapsing near the end of the 10k Darwen Dashers Road Race in December 1994.

He was found to be suffering from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition resulting from a thickening of the heart muscles.

The aim of the race is to create awareness of heart disease in the young and hopefully prevent unnecessary deaths.

Granville Staff, David's father, is organising the event.

He said: "We want as many people as possible to take part because it is a great day that can be enjoyed by everybody.

"We want to raise as much money as possible so that we can help make an impact on other people's lives."

The race sets off at 11.30am from the kiosk and the entrance fee £3.50 per runner.

That will be donated to the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

The fee is payable on the day.