Young runners are being asked to lace-up their trainers and start preparing for the Grand East Anglia Run in May.

Up until this year competitors have had to be over the age of 15 to take part.

But now youngsters over the age of six can make the most of a special 1.2 mile course being launched just for them.

This year's event was launched at King's Lynn-based Bespak, which is the main sponsor of the popular event.

The main race, which is organised by West Norfolk council, will hit the streets of the town on Sunday, May 1.

It will take runners on a loop through the town centre, through the greenery of The Walks and along Lynn's historic waterfront for the full 10k course.

This year will be the sixth time the run has been held in the town.

The event routinely attracts 1,500 competitors and many more spectators from across East Anglia and further afield.

'The Bespak GEAR run hs become firmly established among the running community as one of the largest 10k road races in the East of England,' said race director Harry Collins.

The race has attracted athletes of international standing including Ron Hill and Dame Tanni Grey Thompson and it has also supported the development of running clubs.

Thousands of pounds of charity money has also been raised from the fun runners who take part every year for good causes.