ORGANISERS of Race For Life are planning an even bigger event for the tenth anniversary after the huge turnout this year.

Over 3,000 women from across East Lancs took part in the race at Witton Park, Blackburn, which ended last night. The number of registrations was so high that the event had to be held over two days for the first time in its history.

It is hoped £230,000 will have been raised for Cancer Research by those completing the five-kilometre course.

Organiser Jayne Leggatt said: "We have had such a fantastic turnout - but there were many who were disappointed because they did not register early enough. Next year we are increasing the number of people who can take part.

"The women who take part often do so because they have lost a loved one. Everyone has made such a tremendous effort. What we need now is for them to send the money in. One in three racers fail to collect their sponsorship money."

Those crossing the finishing line yesterday included Valerie Polley, who works as a special support assistant at St Gabriel's School in Blackburn. After being diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, the 52-year-old had a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Teenagers Jamie Bett and Emma Hughes, both 14 and from Blackburn, ran in memory of their cousin Emily Culligan, who died from a rare form of bone cancer.

Beryl Thomas - who was racing as number one' after organisers heard how her 18-year-old niece died in April. The 56-year-old from Whitehall, Darwen, said: "I shed a few tears on the way round."

The race was won by Claire Lilley, 16, and Roberta Jenkinson, 14, of Giggleswick. The friends crossed the line in 16 minutes and 17 seconds.