YOUNG boys are being invited to take part in this year’s Race for Life series and help in the fight against cancer.

Until last year the popular 5km series was a women-only event and has helped to raise millions of pounds every year for life-saving research into 200 types of cancer.

Last year organisers carried out a trial to allow young boys aged under 11 to take part in Race for Life with their mums, nans, aunties and sisters.

It proved so popular that they have reinstated the entry and hope to attract young lads to take part in the Bournemouth events on Sunday June 17 and Poole Park races on Sunday June 24.

Emma Hyatt, head of Race for Life, said: “For Race for Life 2012, we are reinstating the age limit of 11 and under for boys, which we trialled for the first time last year.

“Cancer survival rates have doubled over the last 40 years and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress. Race for Life raises money for our life-saving research and we need everyone to get involved in fundraising to help us save more lives in the future.”

The team is also inviting schools in Dorset to hold their own Race for Life events this year – known as Race at Your Place.

Emma said: “Schools have the freedom to invite boys and girls of all ages, as well as families and teachers, to take part in these unique events. It’s a great opportunity for the whole school to help raise money for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving research.”

Schools can register for their kit at www.schools.raceforlife.org