The annual Race for Life has become one of the most popular charity events in East Lancashire.

Ten years ago more than 2,300 women helped raise an incredible £97,000 for Cancer Research UK at an emotional Blackburn Race for Life.

The annual event in Witton Park was split into two sessions for the first time - one at 1.30pm and the other in the evening - to allow more people to take part.

Women from across the area took part in the 5K charity race dressed in everything from bumble bee costumes to pink pyjamas and tutus.

Most had photographs and tribute messages pinned to their backs in honour of those in whose memory they were competing.

Haslingden High School pupil Megan Ashwell was the first to cross the finish line. Megan’s mum Helen, who had survived cancer, had set the runners off. She was chosen as she had also lost both her parents to cancer.

For all those involved it was the taking part that mattered.

Race for Life events manager Trudy Stammer said: “With so many taking part, Blackburn is really going to do so much for the 4,000 scientists that Cancer Research UK support.

“It’s been a very special and moving day and everyone has said how proud they are to be involved.”