ORGANISERS of a unique Dorset fundraising event are urging local people to get involved to help in the fight against cancer.

Cancer Research UK’s Relay For Life is a celebration of life and hope, aiming to unite communities to help beat cancer.

Teams of between eight and 15 people – of all ages and levels of fitness – are needed to take part in the overnight fundraising festival at Butchers Coppice from 12noon on Saturday July, 16 until 12noon on Sunday, July 17.

As Relay For Life is non-stop through the night, those team members not on the track take turns to rest, eat, or sleep in their tents, which are set up close by.

Over the past nine years Bournemouth and East Dorset Relay For Life has raised over £200,000 for Cancer Research UK and last year's event raised just over £42,000.

And this year being the 10th anniversary, organisers are aiming to raise £50,000 to take the full fundraising total to the quarter of a million pounds.

A spokesman from Bournemouth and East Dorset Relay For Life said: "Anyone and everyone can take part in the relay with our participants ranging in age from a few months to 94 years old.

"During the relay, team members take it in turns to walk round a track while everyone else enjoys a wide range of other fun activities.

"The event kicks off with a survivor lap, where cancer survivors are honoured by their loved ones and all those who are present, for their courage.

"A Candle of Hope ceremony takes place later that evening, where candles are lit in memory of all those who have been or are affected by cancer.

"It is a time for the community to unite in defiance of cancer, a disease that never sleeps, so for this one night neither will we.

"During these 24 hours there will be themed laps, plenty of fun activities and many opportunities for you to get involved in our cause."

There's still time to get a team together for the event which takes place at the scout camp in Holloway Avenue, Bournemouth.

For more information, including how to get involved, go to cancerresearchuk.org or visit antonw.co.uk/relayforlifebournemouth or contact committee chairman Sara Keets on 07885159402.