CANCER, we're coming to get you - about 1,500 women donned pink to take on the Race for Life.

Mothers, daughters and even some dogs didn't let rain dampen their spirits as they completed the 5k course at Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, this morning.

First across the finish line was 12-year-old Shelby Cross, who completed the course in 19 minutes.

Shelby, who runs for Dorchester Athletics Club, raised more than £100 for Cancer Research UK. She was running as part of the Bovington Middle School group.

Headteacher Keith Sutton, who was there to greet her at the finish line, said: “Shelby is a fantastic runner.

“It's the school's last year in existence so it's nice that she did so well for us.”

Elsewhere, 77-year-old Janet Marlborough took on the challenge for the 11th time with friend Debbie Ryan, aged 52.

Janet said: “We walk and run around the course. We always run the last 100 metres. Over the years all together I've probably raised around £1,000. It's a fantastic cause.”

Our team of reporters did the Echo proud, raising more than £300 for the charity.

Former Echo reporter Laura Kitching completed the race in 26 minutes, with reporter Emma Walker coming in second out of the Echo group at 30 minutes.

Emma said she was inspired to take part after her aunty Jan won her battle against breast cancer.

Many runners donned stickers with the names of loved ones who have fought the disease. They said they hoped every penny raised during the race would help towards finding a cure for cancer.