A SEA of pink will descend on parks across South Essex this summer as Race for Life returns for another year of fundraising.

The 5km and 10km races are held in aid of Cancer Research UK and help raise hundreds of thousands of pounds every year.

This year's Chelmsford event will take place on Sunday, July 23, in Hylands Park, while the Brentwood event will be held on Saturday, May 27, in Weald Country Park.

The Pretty Muddy obstacle course event will also take place on Saturday, June 17 in Gloucester Park, in Basildon.

Gill Burgess, Cancer Research UK’s Essex Event Manager, said: “Signing up to take part in Race for Life is a great way for women to set themselves a new and exciting challenge for 2017.

“Race for Life events are non-competitive and participants can choose to walk, jog or run around the course. Whether they plan to amble with friends or sprint to the finish line, every step they take will help to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

“Every day, 90 people are diagnosed with cancer in the East of England. That’s why we’re calling on women in Southend-on-Sea to make 2017 a year to remember. Together, we can stop this devastating disease in its tracks.”

For details of other races visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.