THE RIBBLE Valley is limbering up to host one its most iconic races this winter.

But which roads will be shut as runners pound pavements in the borough?

The 'Ribble Valley 10k Road Race' will take place on New Year's Eve (Sunday, December 31) and takes in some of the most impressive spots in the borough.

Hundreds of runners are expected to turn out whatever the weather.

The event is organised by Blackburn Harriers and Athletic Club and is expected to attract over 1,000 participants, including some of the best long-distance runners in the UK.

But motorists have been warned that several roads in and near Clitheroe will close during the run.

From 9.15am until 11.45am, Edisford Road, Clitheroe, will close from its junction with Lancaster Drive to its junction with Clifton Road.

The B6243 Pig Hill, B6243 New Lane, C574 Clitheroe Lane and Mitton Road will be closed for their entire lengths.

Meanwhile the C573 Clitheroe Road will close from its junction with Mitton Road to its junction with Edisford Road.

The roads will be closed to all traffic and there will be no signed alternative routes.

Blackburn Harriers spokesman George Davies said their primary concern is the 'safety of the runners.'

He said: “Once more Ribble Valley has been awarded regional status and some of the best endurance athletes in the country are expected to take part in this year’s event.

“Our primary concern is the safety of the runners and other road users, along with minimum disruption to the community, and we have worked closely with Ribble Valley Borough Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancashire Police to put the arrangements in place.”

The race starts at 10am at the Roefield Leisure Centre in Edisford Road, Clitheroe, and further details are available from ribblevalley10K.com.

It comes as heavy snow hit East Lancashire on Friday morning (December 29) with around five to 10cm of snow falling in four to five hours.

But runners will be relieved to know that temperatures are expected to pick up, with forecasters predicting bright and sunny spells and scattered showers.