A bumper number of women runners are preparing to race to save lives.

Cancer Research UK's Race For Life takes place in Lister Park on Sunday - the first time it has been held in Bradford.

Organisers of the 5km, women-only event have now closed entries after 1,200 signed up to take part.

The race - one of 130 taking place across the country - will raise money for research into cancers which affect women.

Tesco is sponsoring the series of events, which aims to collect £17.5 million this year. Patron of the Bradford race is former cancer patient Carolyn Richardson, of Laisterdyke. The 48-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer in April last year and underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery followed by an operation to remove her lymph nodes and chemotherapy.

The mum-of-one will officially start participants off on the race.

"I think the number of entries are amazing and I'm thrilled to bits to be taking part," she said.

"In my opinion I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for Cancer Research."

Carolyn hopes her appearance on the day will help other women realise that they can beat the disease.

"I feel really proud that I have been asked to give a speech before the race," she said.

"I still see myself as an attractive woman and that's the image I want to put forward.

"Okay, I have had breast cancer but I look fine."

This is the first Race for Life that Carolyn, who was crowned Miss Yorkshire by the Amateur Body Building Association in 1982, has been involved in.

"I'm told they are great events with a real positive vibe," she said."I'm just looking forward to seeing everybody there."

Entry to the Skipton Race for Life was closed several months ago after 1,400 women signed up.

Ten-year-old leukaemia patient Rebecca Harrison, of Sutton-in-Craven, will start the race at Broughton Hall.

Anyone wanting to take part in a Race for Life event can register for the Harrogate race on Wednesday at the Great Yorkshire Showground. It begins at 7pm and entries close today.

To enter, call 08705 134314 or log on to www.raceforlife.org.