CHERRY red will be a premier colour at Poole’s Rainbow Run this May now AFC Bournemouth have got behind the fundraising event.

The team met with staff and volunteers from Naomi House and Jacksplace hospices before yesterday’s training session to help promote the charity event.

They were joined by the Bournemouth University Falcons cheerleading team and Cherry Bear to pose for photographs and hear about the charity’s work helping children and young people with life-threatening illnesses.

Paul Morgan, head of fundraising for the hospices, said: “We are extremely grateful to AFC Bournemouth for taking time out of their extremely busy schedule to learn more about the Rainbow Run and help us to promote the event.

“With more than 1,000 participants already signed up to take on the colourful 3k run, we are sure the event will be huge fun for the people of Dorset, while also bringing in crucial funds to help us totally modernise our hospice building. We wish The Cherries every success in their forthcoming matches and hope to see them in the Premiership next season.”

The Rainbow Run is taking place on May 10 at Baiter Park and will involve runners being pelted with bucket loads of multi-coloured powdered paint as they walk or jog around the waterfront route. Participants wearing white t-shirts accessorised with colourful wigs, hats, tutus, and leggings will encounter four paint stations during the run and will end up covered in colourful paint.

Money raised will go towards the charity’s Caterpillar Appeal, to fully refurbish the Sutton Scotney hospice building. To sponsor a paint station or secure a place for the run go to naomihouse.org.uk/events/showevent/dorset-rainbow-run