FELL runners have the chance to race against TV's famous Dingle family -- all in the name of charity.

Emmerdale actors Emma Atkins, alias newly-wed Charity Dingle, Tate, Jeff Hordley, the villainous Cain Dingle, and his younger brother Sam Dingle, played by James Hooton, will join Chris Chittel, rogue antique dealer Eric Pollard, and local runners for the David Staff Memorial Fell Race on Sunday.

It is the second time that actor Chris has taken part in the race.

And with only a few days to go, runners are still being sought to get involved to help make the race a success.

The five-mile fell race involves 900 feet of climbing and centres on Sunnyhurst Woods, Darwen.

Former Blackburn Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School pupil David Staff, of Carus Avenue, Hoddlesden, died aged 17, after collapsing near the end of the 10k Darwen Dashers Road Race in December 1994.

He was found to be suffering from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition resulting from a thickening of the heart muscles.

The aim of the race, which has been held annually since David's death, is to create awareness of heart disease in the young and hopefully prevent unnecessary deaths.

Granville Staff, David's father, is organising the event.

He said: "It is a great day that can be enjoyed by everybody, and we hope to raise as much money as possible so that we can help make an impact on other people's lives."

The race sets off at 11.30am from the kiosk and the entrance fee £3 per runner, which will be donated to the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). The fee is payable on the day.

Supporting the event are companies Akzo Nobel, Crown Berger and Blackburn Sports Council.

T-shirts will be presented to all those who complete the race.