ROSSENDALE Hospice is organising its first ever sponsored Colour Dash.

In just a matter of days more than 150 people have signed up for the colourful event, which is the first of its kind in the borough.

Taking place on Saturday, September 23 participants can run, jog or walk the 4km route through several ‘colour stations’.

Organisers said as they pass through the colour stations they will be showered with different coloured powdered paint.

The event will take place at Marl Pits Leisure Centre in Rawtenstall at 12pm.

Alison Whittaker-Stewart, Rossendale Hospice fundraising manager, said: “We really want to put this colour run on to get people of all ages and abilities involved.

“It is the sort of event that you can do with your friends or even your colleagues.

“September is a time of year when most people have gone back to work after their summer holiday and children have gone back to school.

“We want this event to be the last chance to take part in a fun event before the weather changes.

“Hopefully the Colour Dash will attract new supporters and we hope as many of people as possible get involved.

“If it is a success we hope it will become an annual event in the hospice calendar.”

Hospice bosses hope the event will attract people both young and old.

Online registration is now open and costs £20.

Cllr Annie McMahon urged as many people as possible to support the event.

She said: “Events like this help give the hospice a face in the community, so the more people that support it, the better.”

Participants will receive a pair of sunglasses, pouches of paint to make you super colourful before your start, post-event refreshments and a souvenir medal.

All the monies raised will help to keep Rossendale Hospice vital services running.

Hospice bosses said costs £1 million a year to keep the service running.

The hospice offers nursing care, compassion, understanding, emotional and psychological support to residents with life-limiting illnesses.

To book a place online, visit the Rossendale Hospice website at www.rossendalehospice.org/colourdash or you can complete a registration form and hand it in to reception staff at Rossendale Hospice, The Adrenaline Centre in Haslingden or Marl Pits Leisure Centre.