RUNNERS are being urged to dust off their silly socks for a popular annual event through Northwich woodlands.

The Joshua Tree's silly socks fun run will return to Marbury Park at 10am on April 25.

As The Joshua Tree pushes its #digdeep campaign to raise £250,000 to build its support centre in Sandiway by May 2016, this year’s fun run will be especially important to the charity’s fundraising goals and the morning will be filled with fun family activities.

Lynda Hill, charity founder, said: “The fun run is such a great event for us and the crowds grow bigger every year.

"This year we are planning lots more entertainment and activities for those who want to take part, giving the event a family festival feeling so that you can come along and have fun even if you don’t fancy the running.”

Runners who raise more than £25 in sponsorship money will receive a commemorative Fun Run 2015 #digdeep T-Shirt, wristband and goody bag.

The runner who raises the most money through the event will win a slap up meal. The winner will be announced at the end of May.

Radio and TV presenter Mark Radcliffe, patron of The Joshua Tree, will open the race as families and runners set off on the 2.5km and 5km courses.

Trophies will be presented for first woman and first man to cross the 5km line as well as the first boy aged under 16 and first girl aged under16 to finish the 2.5km race.

There will also be awards for the best dressed runners. Places cost £10 for the 5km race and £5 for the 2.5km fun run and under 7s run for free.

A family ticket for the 2.5k fun run costs £15. For more information visit thejoshuatree.org.uk or call 01606 331 858.