HERE they are - the Daily Echo Daredevils! A 40-strong team of women drawn from several departments at the newspaper, will be taking part in Race for Life in Southampton.

The countdown has begun for the legions of women who are preparing to pound the 5k course.

Up to 10,000 women are expected to line up for the event on July 18 - the biggest race to take place in the UK - and there are still a few places left, although you must be quick as entry closes this weekend.

Race for Life in Southampton will be the largest race in the UK - and the Daily Echo Daredevils are looking forward to the challenge ahead.

Woman's editor Kate Thompson said: "It's great that so many of us who work at the newspaper have signed up to take part this year.

"Many of us have been touched by cancer in some way and we are all keen to raise as much money as we can for Cancer Research UK."

The Southampton race could raise up to £500,000 to help pay for research into the causes of cancer and its treatment.

Organiser Karina Morgan said: "I am delighted that Southampton will host the largest Race for Life in the country.

"It is good for the city and a credit to the women who have signed up so far."

For more information on the Race for Life go to the website at: www.raceforlife.org