AS fundraisers prepare themselves for tomorrow’s Race for Life Poole, the Echo looks back to when it first began.

Following on from the success of Race for Life in Bournemouth, it was decided in 2003 that Poole should have its own race the following year.

Women and girls of Dorset and Hampshire quickly flocked in their thousands to sign up for the event held on July 4, 2004.

The race, held in Poole Park and Baiter Park, filled its 1,000 quota well in advance of the closing date.

It was an impressive sight when the day came as 1,000 women took part in the Race for Life run over 5km.

These pictures were taken at that first event.