TWO Taunton Deane charities are teaming up and pulling on their running shoes for a major fundraising event.

Taunton's Albemarle Centre, which is supported by the Somerset County Gazette, and Wellington-based charity SeeAbility are hosting the Great Wood Great Run on Sunday, May 9.

Organised by running club Taunton Hash House Harriers (TH3), the sponsored event is a new cross-country and fun run starting at Great Wood Camp on the Quantock Hills.

Walkers as well as keen runners are welcome as the focus is on fun, fresh air and feasting.

TH3 has arranged a post-run barbecue and barrel bar so everyone can enjoy themselves whether they have exercised or not.

The Albemarle Centre's Shirley Hector said: "The Great Wood Great Run is the first event SeeAbility and the Albemarle Centre have organised together, but it's a very profitable partnership.

"Both charities have small local bases and desperately need funding to provide the facilities our residents and service users need.

"We urge everyone to enter this event - you'll have a great time and will be contributing to two worthwhile local causes."

Fiona Spotswood, fundraiser for SeeAbility, said: "We've a long tradition of sporting fundraising events with the Wellington Ten-Mile Run being one of the largest and most successful ten-mile road runs around."

To enter the Great Wood Great Run send an sae and £7 (or £3 for the three-mile fun run/walk) to: Shirley Hector, the Albemarle Centre, Albemarle Road, Taunton. You can also enter on-line at www.th3.org