TV STAR and West Dorset resident Martin Clunes, below, will once again be offering his support to the Dorchester Race for Life event.

Some 2,218 women have already signed up but organisers say that this year recruitment is ‘significantly lower than anticipated’.

Doc Martin actor Martin said: “I would like to issue an urgent rallying call to the town’s ‘missing’ women.

“I hope they will hear the plea from myself, and the Race for Life team, and register as soon as possible. “We need them to step forward and be counted. “Together, they will help us create a fantastic atmosphere on the day and every step they take will help doctors, nurses and scientists take major strides forward in re-search.”

Visit the website www.

racefor life.org to register.