ONE of East Lancashire’s top chefs has challenged more people to sign up for a new charity in Blackburn.

Nigel Haworth, from Northcote Manor, will be taking part in the Jane Tomlinson Pennine Lancashire 10k in the town next month, along with a dozen family, friends and colleagues.

Among them are his head chef at the Northcote, Lisa Allen, winner of this year’s Great British Menu on the BBC.

Nigel is a veteran of the London Marathon and three Great North Runs, but Lisa is a first-time runner.

He said: “Blackburn needs an event like this and I hope it is a great success.

“They are great fun and I would urge anyone to give it a go because it is a real challenge and these races give you a real sense of achievement.”

Race day is July 11 and, as well as being World Cup final day, it is also Nigel’s 52nd birthday. He said: “I must be mad doing this on my birthday, but I am looking forward to it. I’m training hard and hope to get a good time.”

To enter the race visit runforall.com The event is set to become an annual event and the plan is to move it around East Lancashire’s different town centres.

Money raised will go towards cancer charity Run For All, launched by tireless campaigner the late Jane Tomlinson, as well as local hospices.