ON your marks, get set, go! A popular charity fun run is just over a month away.

This year's Dorchester & District Lions Fun Run is taking place on Sunday, May 10.

More than £220,000 has been raised for local good causes and charities over the 33 years the event has been running.

Lion Andy Rose said: "Everyone can take part in the fun run, the whole family can get involved, have fun together and raise money for their favourite charity or good cause at the same time.

"Half of sponsorship will go to the runner’s charity and 50 per cent to Lions’ causes. It truly is a community event.

"We never cease to be surprised by the enthusiastic participation and generosity of the local community and sponsors - that’s why we love organising the fun run every year."

The event starts from the Dorchester Middle School and there is a choice of two routes - the 2k run will follow a flat route around Poundbury and is suitable for all ages and abilities.

All entrants are invited to wear fancy dress and everyone who takes part in the 2k will receive a medal.

The challenging timed 10K , first introduced in 2012, takes in Maiden Castle .

The multi-terrain course is becoming increasingly popular with keen runners.

All 10k entrants will receive a T-shirt on the day.

Mr Rose added: "The Lions are especially proud this year to be involved in raising funds for the development of a new Gully’s Place unit at Kingfisher Ward, Dorset County Hospital.

"This special unit, so-called after the original Gully’s set up in Poole Hospital, will give palliative care to little ones who have life-limiting or life-affecting illnesses, as well as providing support for their families in times of need or distress.

"Lions consider that Gully’s Place is such a worthwhile new local project and valuable facility for the community that our zone, made up of the clubs from Blackmore Vale, Weymouth and Portland and Bridport as well as Dorchester and district District, was delighted to make a donation of £2,000 to get the development under way."

The Lions expect to make more than 40 donations to a range of good causes in the community in the course of the year.

Runners can either register on the day of the event from 9am or get an entry from from Goulds in South Street, Dorchester TIC, the 1610 sports centre or by visiting lionsdorchester.org.uk