WOMEN from Cirencester smeared on their war paint and uttered their loudest battle cry on the weekend, as they prepared to sign up for this year's Race for Life.

Fundraisers from Cancer Research UK gathered outside Tesco Extra in the town on Saturday to urge women of all ages and fitness abilities to sign up to the race.

This year Race for Life, an event that raises money for life-saving cancer research through a series of five kilometre and 10 kilometre races, is at Cirencester Park on Sunday, July 19.

Capturing the fun and camaraderie of the annual race, fundraisers set up Battle HQ outside the supermarket, giving shoppers the chance to try bold face paint designs and funky nail art, which ties in with this year’s events. Women and girls also got to try Race for Life tattoos and took 'selfies' in the Battle HQ tent to share their fighting face.

Area event manager for Gloucestershire Michelle Leighton said: "We hope this motivated women of all shapes and sizes to sign up to Race for Life as soon as possible.

"Every day, around 85 people are diagnosed with cancer in the South West. That’s why we are calling on the brave ladies of Cirencester to help make this year’s Race for Life our best ever. It doesn’t matter how fit or fast you are because Race for Life is not competitive. It’s about an army of women standing shoulder-to-shoulder, ready to take on cancer."

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, sees millions of pounds raised every year to help beat 200 different types of cancer.

Last year, 1,770 women in Cirencester took part, raising £102,557 for life-saving research. This year, organisers need 1,850 women and girls to stride out to help raise £105,000.

To enter Race for Life today go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.