The Cancer Research UK Race for Life is being staged at Herrington Country Park on Sunday with 1,388 women signing up to run or walk the 5km race.

It coincides with International Cancer Survivor Day, and 1,000 pink balloons will be released to remember those who have been affected by cancer.

The race will help raise money for research into the treatment, cure and prevention of cancer.

Research projects

Every year, over 136,000 women are diagnosed with cancer and event organiser Jill Campbell, from East Boldon, in South Tyneside, said: "One in three people are diagnosed with cancer and most of the women taking part in Race for Life will know someone who has been affected by the disease.

"The atmosphere is tremendous. It is wonderful to see so many people joining together at such a fun event while helping to raise millions of pounds for research.

"This is the seventh year that Race for Life has taken place in Sunderland and we are delighted with the number of women who have signed up to take part."

The Sunderland event is the second in this year's Northeast Race for Life calendar, which includes events on 20 June in Darlington, 26 June in Middlesbrough, 4 July in Berwick and 11 July in Newcastle.