Organisers of a charity run in memory of Bradford PC Sharon Beshenivsky say the event could grow to eventually rival Newcastle's famous Great North Run.

Stars from sport and screen have signed up for the race to raise money for the family of the 38-year-old officer who was shot dead while investigating a robbery at the Universal Express travel agents in Morley Street, Bradford, on November 18.

Bill actor Simon Rouse, who plays DCI Jack Meadows, is the latest celebrity confirmed to join an anticipated 5,000 runners for the five kilometre race in Bingley.

He will join fellow Bill stars TJ Ramini, who plays Detective Constable Zain Nadir, and Melanie Kilburn, who plays PC Laura Bryant.

Bradford boxing star Junior Witter will also take part at noon on Sunday, May 14.

Organisers Bradford

athlete and Olympic hopeful Zaf Shah, 32, and Neil Jackson, manager of Cannon's Health Club in Cottingley, said they were confident strong public support would allow them to make the memorial race a major annual event.

"I reckon around 8,000 people will take part. But there could be more. We have made provisions for up to 10,000 to sign up." said Mr Shah.

"It is attracting so much attention around Bradford. People really care about what happened and want something positive to come from the tragedy.

"The thing that hit home was not just that a police officer had died, but a mum and someone's daughter. The community really came together following what happened. We thought we could build on it."

Neil Jackson said they were confident of building the run into a major event on the athletics calendar.

"We think we can make this an annual event - the kind of race that could eventually rival the Great North Run in Newcastle or the Leeds Half Marathon. We will keep the name in honour of PC Beshenivsky.

"Next year we'd like to make it 10 km, then we'd like to extend it further and organise a half-marathon.

"We will always have the 5km race for anyone who wants to take part and maybe just walk it."

The pair said they were delighted to have the support of the Beshenivsky family, police colleagues - many of whom are expected to take part in the race - and Bradford Council, which has helped in the planning.

Mr Shah added: "The run will take place under the banner Communities United. This is a way for Bradford people to show that they stand together."

The race will start at Cannon's Health Club, move down to Bradford Road, turn right on to Wagon Lane and Dowley Gap, carry on to Primrose Lane, Cornwall Road, Ferncliffe Road, on to Bingley Main Street before returning to Cannon's.

Entry forms will be available at Cannon's, local schools and libraries from Tuesday. The entry fee is £10.

An official launch will take place at Bradford City Hall on Wednesday, February 22.