POOLE-based Olympians Liz Yelling and Dan Hunter will be helping to inspire the next generation of athletes at Poole Festival of Running on Sunday, June 2.

Former Olympic marathon runner and Poole Hospital charity patron Liz Yelling has announced she will be launching the minithon races for eight to 14-year-olds – which are among the eight races aimed at all ages and abilities on the day.

London 2012 volleyball player and Poole resident Dan Hunter, will be leading a volleyball demo.

Cllr Judy Butt, responsible for public engagement and participation, communities, sport and recreation at Borough of Poole, said: “One of the aims this year is to make sure we can get as many young people involved and engaged with activity – and the athletes who are involved are great role models. “I’m confident we’ll have even more runners of all ages taking part this year and we might even find some bright new stars to continue Poole’s Olympic Legacy.”

Among those already training hard for the event is 13-year-old Reece Jarvis, who will be cheered on in the run by his nan Penny.

Penny, 62 of Broadstone, said: “Reece was really keen to do this – he has just taken up running and he wants to do a marathon when he’s old enough.

“I’ve run lots of marathons in the past but my feet won’t let me do that anymore, so this seemed the perfect way for us to do something that we both love together.

“Just about every family is touched by cancer somewhere along the line, mine included. Reece’s mum had bone cancer in the past, and my own father had bowel cancer, so raising funds for the Dorset Cancer Centre is something very dear to our hearts.”

The festival features races stalls, refreshments and children’s activities and will raise money for Dorset Cancer Centre at Poole Hospital. Make a donation at www.justgiving. com/phwl Find out more about the festival or sign up at a treadmill event between 9am and 5pm on Saturday May 4 in the Dolphin Shopping Centre.

Entries for the race can be made online at www.poolerunners.com or via the entry form which is available in sports centres.