WOMEN are racing to sign up for a Dorchester fun run to help the fight against cancer.

More than 50 people entered this year's Race for Life at Kingston Maurward College in the first three days after registration lines opened at the start of February.

Organisers are advising would-be runners and walkers to enrol early for the race on Sunday, June 12, after all spaces were filled a week before the deadline last year.

In 2004, 1,983 participants completed the five-kilometre course through Kingston Maurward's grounds and collected a record total of £96,703 for Cancer Research UK.

The sponsorship target for this year's Dorchester race is £105,000, and nationally Race for Life aims to raise £23million for the charity. South West race organiser Lorna Glanfield said: "Every single woman who takes part in and raises funds through Race for Life makes an invaluable contribution in the fight against cancer.

"Huge advances have been made in cancer research since Race for Life began in 1994, due in part to the £70 million that the past events have raised.

"It is important that people enter early so they have plenty of time to prepare and raise sponsorship money. Lots of women tried to enter the Dorchester race last year and found it was full up. So our message is to register for one of the 2,000 spaces that are available as soon as possible."

She added that the Kingston Maurward event, now in its third year, is for women of all ages and fitness levels. It is one of 162 fundraising runs or walks taking place across the country this summer.

Cancer Research UK's figures reveal that more than 25,500 people in the South West are diagnosed with the disease every year. To enter visit www. raceforlife.org or phone 08705 134 314.