ASPIRING athletes are being asked to don their running shoes and raise cash for the Royal National Institute for the Deaf.

The charity, which represents nine million deaf and hard of hearing people in the UK, has ten running places left for the Great North Run.

They are strictly available on a first come, first served basis and all prospective fundraisers need to do is collect £300 for the charity and pay a £38 registration fee.

Caroline Jupe, charity events and community fundraising executive, said: "With just ten of our Great North Run slots remaining, you'll need to be quick off the mark to win the race for a place."

The 13-mile run will take place on September 30 and is between Newcastle and South Shields.

To register, visit www.rnid.org.uk or call 0808 8080123.