Almost 2,000 runners pounded the streets of Crawley for the town's second annual Race for Life.

The event, in aid of Cancer Research UK, was held in Tilgate Park yesterday and attracted women and girls of all ages.

Crowds of spectators lined the 5km route to cheer the participants on as they ran or walked the course.

There was a mixture of serious runners and those who were simply there for the atmosphere and to raise as much money as they could for charity.

Crawley mayor Brian Quinn started the race and presented the winners with their medals.

But the main emphasis was on fun as people arrived decked out in fancy dress, including a group of runners in bunny girl outfits.

A Race For Life spokesman said: "It was a terrific turn out.

"The venue was lovely and there was a great atmosphere.

"We started slightly late because we were still waiting for some cars to find parking places but everything went off very smoothly.

"Last year the race became legendary because it was raining heavily and the ground was a sea of mud.

"People were coming back absolutely covered.

"This year it was completely different as the weather was lovely and the course easy to manage."

There are more than 130 Race For Life events taking place across the UK this year and organisers are hoping to raise millions of pounds for vital research into treatments for cancer.

A successful race has already taken place in Eastbourne and others are planned for Hastings on June 29 and Brighton on July 6.

Places are still available for these and anyone interested should call the Race for Life hotline on 08705 134314 or log on to www.raceforlife.org.

Entries close a week before each race.