THE pink army will descend on Witton Park tomorrow (Wednesday) to show 'The Big C' who's boss.

Witton Park in Blackburn will become a sea of pink as women from across the town and further afield take part in this year's Race For Life, starting at 7.30pm.

Hundreds of survivors, supporters and loved ones will pull on their running shoes for the evening event, helping to raise thousands for Cancer Research UK.

Guest of honour on the night will be community supporter Anne Ellwood. The mum-of-two from Accrington lost her mother to breast cancer in 2002 and has been supporting the Race for Life event for a number of years. She will be speaking before the starting klaxon sounds to inspire the women taking part.

Around 1,200 women of all shapes, sizes and abilities will put their best foot forward to raise money for Cancer Research by running, jogging or walking their way around the 5k course.

Last year the Blackburn event helped to raise around £60,000 for the charity.

Rhian Coathup, event manager for Blackburn, said: "Cancer is such a horrible disease. So many people are affected by it, or have friends and loved ones affected by it. We are working so hard and making lots of progress on funding a cure but there;s such a long way to go.

"Race For Life is a way to really make a different by raising money and awareness of the charity. It also generates hope and support for those people going through treatment.

"Getting people signed up is so important, and so is collecting the sponsor money after the event."

This year Race For Life launched a new 10k route in some areas. In East Lancashire, the Burnley event in Towneley Park on 14 June had both a 5k and 10k route to appeal to those women looking for more of a challenge.

The Blackburn route follows a scenic, circular route around the park and the terrain is mainly grass and there are some spaces available on the night for those wishing to sign up at the last minute.

This popular evening race offers an amazing atmosphere as spectators line the final section of the route to cheer participants back in.