A CASH prize is up-for-grabs as a local event aims to get more children active.

The historic Prudhoe Miners' Race returns on October 1 with runs aimed specifically at children; at 3km for 11 to 16 years and 1.5km for five to 10 years.

And to encourage more children to take part, one of the event's partners, Prudhoe Town Council, is offering a £250 bursary for sports equipment to the school with the most entries on the day.

The prize will be awarded based on the highest percentage of entries per pupil roll within the Prudhoe Schools Partnership.

Coun. Gerry Price, mayor of Prudhoe, said: “Now we’re in our sixth year, we are delighted the Miners' Race has become an established fixture in our events calendar.

“We couldn’t do it without the runners taking part, along with all the wonderful spectators and volunteers who come out to support us every year.

“By introducing the schools prize, we hope to encourage even more youngsters to take up sport and help us to celebrate our town’s wonderful industrial heritage in this historic race.”

The town council has joined forces with sports event company Run Northumberland and Prudhoe-based tissue makers Essity to once again put on the popular event.

George Placogiannakis, site manager at Essity, formerly known as SCA Hygiene, said: “Though our name and logo have changed recently, it's still very much business as usual and Prudhoe Mill continues to play an active role in the local community.

“As a local employer, we think the annual miners' race is a great opportunity to showcase our beautiful town and bring people of all ages together to have fun and get active.”