More than 5,000 women and children ran to raise cash for Cancer Research UK in Saturday and Sunday's Race for Life around Lydiard Park in Swindon.

Many dressed in pink to pay tribute to family members who have fallen victim to the disease and others who have triumphed in their battle against it.

The runners are expected to have almost doubled the total of £235,000 raised last year. Debbie Jones, of Malmesbury, was first across the line on Saturday. She said: "I love running and it is a really good cause. That's the main reason I did it but it is good to come first."

Amanda Fitchett, 36, from Wroughton, took part as a result of having a close encounter with the disease.

Debbie Shortell, 41, from Covingham, donned a pink wig for the occasion on Sunday. She has lost four loved ones to cancer and raised £500.

Eight women, all staff at The Hare and the Hounds pub, Pickwick, raised more than £700 in memory of Steven Caton who died last year aged 26.

Carole Friend, 42, from Corsham, said: "Steve was a wonderful man and a firm face in the community - we raced for him and all he achieved."

Joining Mrs Friend on the 5km run were her daughters Tiffany, 21, and Charlotte, nine, sister Lyn Vallelly, niece Kerry, and friends Jane and Paris Hampton and Diana Wellenkamp.

Chippenham florists Natalie Doust and Kimberley Caffrey completed the run raising more than £300 for Cancer Research.