Women of all ages will be uniting on Sunday to fight cancer and raise cash at the annual Dorchester Race for Life.

More than 2,000 women and girls of all ages will take part in the fifth Dorchester race at Kingston Maurward to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The Dorchester Race for Life is one of a series of races held all over the country to raise money for the charity.

Last year competitors raised £127,300 for the charity and this year organiser Hannah Davies hopes the runners will raise £148,000.

She said: "We are hoping that this year's event will be bigger and better than ever, just so long as the weather stays fine."

She urged all those taking part in the five-kilometre race around the grounds of the Grade I-listed house to arrive early.

Ms Davies added: "Car share if possible, due to the nature of the venue."

Music and commentary starts from 10am on Sunday, including a mass warm-up of competitors and the race gets underway at 11am.

Although it is too late to enter this year's event there is still time to volunteer and help on the day.

Ms Davies said: "We are keen for more volunteers to help marshal or hand out goody bags.

"If anyone is interested in helping on Sunday from 9.15am-12.30pm and supporting Cancer Research UK with their valued time, we would love to hear from them.

"If they can please call the volunteer hotline on 08702 401112 ASAP to register their details and receive a volunteer pack."

Ms Davies said the only concern now was the weather but she said a rainy Bournemouth event failed to dampen the spirits of competitors who raced along the seafront for the good cause. She said: "We are excited about the fifth Race for Life in Dorchester and so grateful to everybody for raising such a fantastic amount of money for Cancer Research UK. Please remember to send that money in quickly."