PEOPLE are being urged to sign up for this year's Relay for Life event in Worcester to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Fundraisers dressed in purple dodged the downpours to launched the sixth event in the city centre on Saturday with a stand and some activities in Angel Place.

This year, the 24-hour Relay for Life event takes place on Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7 at RGS The Grange, Claines, at noon.

So far, 14 teams have signed up for the event which honours cancer survivors and celebrates life while raising thousands for the charity.

Lezley Moran, event chair, said: "We recommend teams of between eight to 15 people but you can have any number, male or female, old or young, there is no limit.

"Cancer survivors do the opening lap so we would like as many people to register as possible.

"Last year we raised over £30,000 and we're hoping to raise even more this year. The event itself, all the teams have stalls. It's just good fun."

Participants are asked to raise as much money as possible in the months leading up to the event through a wide range of fund-raising activities and securing donations from friends, families and work colleagues.

During the event, team members take it in turns to walk, skip, run or even dance round a track while others enjoy a wide range of activities.

At dusk the poignant Candle of Hope ceremony begins, when bags decorated with messages in memory or in celebration of loved ones are filled with sand and lit with candles.

Dawn Cox, vice-chair, added: "It's just something I feel very passionate about. Cancer doesn't just affect the person, it affects a family. I believe in the cause."

Everyone is welcome to attend the event which is free entry and will include live music, food, stalls and entertainment throughout the day.

Relay for Life is a global fundraiser that sees millions of people from more than 20 countries unite in the fight against cancer.

For more information and to sign up visit relay.cancerresearchuk.org or for more details call committee chair Lezley Moran in 07967 724292 or email RelayWorcester@gmail.com.