A FEW places are available for late entries to the Race for Life in aid of Cancer Research UK at Kingston Maurward College near Dorchester.

Organiser Hannah White said a handful of places had become available since the June 8 event filled earlier this year.

The five-kilometre women-only race is one of more than 260 events being held all over the country this summer - and was the first to fill up.

Ms White said today that a few places in Dorchester were now available but people would have to be fast to catch one - the final closure is Tuesday at midnight. Call the event hotline on 0871 641 2279 to enter.

She said: "We are delighted that so many women have responded to our invitation to join us at Race for Life this year and we hope to have a real party atmosphere on the day.

"The Dorchester Race for Life is always a fantastic experience with local women coming together to make a positive difference to the lives of people touched by cancer.

"I hope everyone enjoys the day and remembers to arrive early to avoid delays entering the car park and to bring a picnic and stay on to enjoy the grounds afterwards.

"I also hope they realise what a fantastic and vital contribution their fundraising will make to the work that our scientists, doctors and nurses are doing."

The event starts at 11am on Sunday, June 8, and organisers hope the 2,000 entrants will raise £116,000 for the charity.

Entrants can run, jog or stroll their way round the scenic course.

Families, supporters and members of the public are invited to swell the crowd to cheer the entrants on and to bring a bag of items such as clothes, books and CDs that can be sold through the charity's shops for funds.

The event has become an annual highlight with entries including women and girls as family or workplace teams, often in fancy dress. It is also a poignant reminder of how cancer can affect everyone, with runners' race numbers bearing messages of friends and family members who have had the disease.