The Mayor of St Albans joined up with race mascot Beechy Bear to help launch the Wheathampstead 10k race and 2k fun run on Thursday.

The annual event will take place Sunday, May 18 to raise money for Beech Hyde Primary School.

The city's mayor, Annie Brewster and Beechy Bear were joined at the launch by school head teacher Miss Milliard and children, who plan to run in the races.

The races were first introduced back in 2000 and since then £80,000 has been raised for the Wheathampstead primary school.

The city's mayor, said: "The prestigious Wheathampstead 10k attracts so many keen runners as it is, unusually, off road. It is a wonderful example of local people working together to raise funds for a good cause in a fun and healthy way."

"I am very impressed that so much has been raised to benefit local children. I urge everyone to come along to this friendy, fun event to run, to cheer or just to enjoy the day."

The fun run event is organised by parents from Beech Hyde Primary School and the 10k and 2k races will take place in the Marford Playing fields in Wheathampstead.

The event now attracts up to 900 runners for the 10k race and around 600 runners of all ages for the 2k family fun run. All runners are given a medal, water and a banana at the end of the race.

Participants are being encouraged to sign up early. For more information visit http://www.wheathampstead10k.co.uk.