WHEN the women of Elton Sailing Club decided to enter a 17-strong team in the Race For Life at Heaton Park, little did they know that their youngest member would be nine-year-old budding sailor Grace Brooks.

Grace, from Ramsbottom, stepped into her mother Alyson's running shoes at the 11th hour on Sunday, when she was forced out of action by a foot injury.

The sporty schoolgirl, a pupil at Greenmount Primary, volunteered to take her mum's place and ran the five kilometres with her fellow team mates, including big sister Kate (20).

Grace admitted to being a little nervous at first.

"There were more people running than I thought and it was a bit scary at the start. I wanted to run for my mum because I was sorry she couldn't take part," she said.

Alyson was a proud spectator, saying: "It was all Grace's idea and so far she has raised about £100 in sponsorship. I'm really pleased for her as it was a big event."

The Elton team has raised around £1,800 for Cancer Research UK, after local property agent Rob Gasgoine pledged to double the sponsorship if any of the team completed the race in under 30 minutes. Grace's sister, Kate, finished in 28 minutes alongside team mate Tin Morris.