RUNNERS of all ages and abilities will be limbering up to take on the Dorchester and District Lions Club Fun Run in the name of charity on Sunday.

The ever popular fundraising event is being held in the county town for the 33rd year and over the decades has raised more than £220,000 for local good causes and charities.

The event has evolved over the yeas and organisers have planned it to cater for everyone from fun runners in fancy dress to serious athletes looking to set a quick time.

There will be a 2km fun run and 10km timed route both setting out from the Dorchester Middle School.

Registration is at 9am and there will be judging for the fancy dress competition from 10am before the 10km race stars at 10.25am and the 2km starts five minutes later.

As in previous years Sister Augustine, the Fun Run’s very own ‘Flying Nun’ will be travelling specially from Falmouth for what will be her 31st appearance at the event.

In that time she has raised £30,000 for her own community charities and good causes, including the Dorchester Poverty Action group along and her local Falmouth hospice.

A spokesman for the Lions said: "Everyone, regardless of age or ability, can take part in the Fun Run - the whole family can get involved , have fun together and most importantly raise funds for their own charities or good causes.

"Fifty percent of all entrants’ sponsorship goes to their nominated good cause with the other 50 percent to Lions’ causes.

"This arrangement ensures that the Fun Run is truly a community event and maximises the opportunity for all charities and good causes to benefit.

"The Lions love organising the event, welcoming back familiar supporters as well as new entrants.

"We are always delighted by the enthusiastic participation and generosity of the local community and sponsors – and of course, we could not stage the event without the help of many volunteers who help the club on the day."

Half of the money raised by runners goes to a charity or cause of their choice, with the rest going to Lions' causes.

This year have chosen the Gully's Place project at Dorset County Hospital's Kingfisher Ward as its main charity beneficiary.

The unit will provide palliative care to youngsters who have life-limiting or life-affecting illnesses and will also provide support for their families in times of need or distress.

Sponsorship and entry forms can also be obtained in advance from Goulds household stores in South Street, the Dorchester Tourist Information Centre in Antelope Walk or the Dorchester Sports Centre in Coburg Road.

They can also be downloaded from lionsdorchester.org.uk

Online registration is available for the 10km run at fullonsport.co.uk

For more information about the event contact Mervyn on 01305 812404.