BOROUGH runners are getting set to pound the streets of Dudley this weekend in the annual Action Heart Five Mile road race.

The event, now in its 25th year and open to runners of all abilities, takes place this Sunday (February 22) - starting and finishing at Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley.

More than 400 are expected to take part in the event which will raise funds for Action Heart - the borough's heart charity based at Russells Hall.

Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Margaret Aston, will set the runners on their way at 9.30am - among them will be Deputy Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Steve Waltho, who has completed the race nine times previously.

Those wishing to walk the course, which takes in the streets of Dudley and Pensnett, can also join in - setting off from the slightly earlier time of 9am.

The event was originally started by Richard Hargreaves from Pensnett, a former Action Heart patient who wanted to give something back to the charity.

People can still enter to take part by calling 01384 292233 or go to the Action Heart website http://www.actionheartrunning.com/