MORE than 1,400 East Lancashire women took part in last night's Race For Life in aid of Cancer Research UK.

The event, in its 10th year at the venue, was attended by people from throughout the area and as far afield as Bolton.

Tonight another 1,600 women are expected to take part with organisers hoping the two events at Blackburn's Witton Park will raise a total of £200,000.

Catherine Willoughby and Pat Rogers, who work at St Mary's College, Blackburn, were running in memory of colleagues who had been affected by breast cancer.

Catherine, 35, had a poignant reason to take place as her colleague's mum died of cancer yesterday morning.

She said: "It really brings it home to you what this is all about."

Joyce Ryan, 45, and her daughter Mandy, 27, of Higher Croft, crossed the line together in 24 minutes, wearing bright pink stockings and tops.

The pair aimed to collect £800 in sponsorship and were running in memory of Joyce's mum May Neilson and co-worker Ernie.

Joyce said: "I'm really pleased with the time, but it was a lot harder than I thought it would be."

Each entrant at the event had a race number and a badge pinned to their back, where they could state who they were running for.

Lisa Curry, 29, of Mill Hill, said: "It's a great atmosphere.

"It's very emotional to see what people have written on their backs to say who they are running for."

Area event manager Jayne Leggat said: "There's been a fantastic turnout.

"We thought that the weather might dampen people's spirits, but the sun has come out for us."