PREPARATIONS for the biggest fun run in the West are getting under way, with organisers of the Oldbury- on-Severn event aiming to raise even more than last year's £19,000.

Most of the money – £15,000 – went to the children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent, with the rest shared between organisations in the village, near Thornbury.

There was also a donation to the Severn Area Rescue Association, which provides a lifeboat service on the river.

Since being started in the early 1980s, the event has drawn in huge numbers of runners, many from running clubs that consider Oldbury a main feature of their season. The fastest complete the course along country lanes in about 20 minutes.

It is also open to those who want to just walk the route, runners in fancy dress and teams, with more than 900 competitors lining up in 2011 at the start in front of the Anchor pub.

A series of awards are presented to the best performers, with money brought in through sponsorship, entry fees, a raffle and other events planned for the day.

Fairground rides, a display of classic cars and a variety of stalls are among the attractions, with some competitors travelling long distances to be involved.

Committee member Chris Awde said: "The amount raised through an event organised by volunteers is fantastic."

The fun run was started in the early 1980s by villagers Pat and Roger Smith, whose son Tom died of leukaemia, and has always been held in support of CLIC Sargent's work in Bristol. Despite the gloom of the economy, last year's sum raised was up on the previous year.

This year's run is on Sunday, June 17, its traditional Fathers' Day date. Anyone interested in being involved can get details by emailing info@oldburyfunrun.co.uk.