THEIR namesake may not be in the running any more, but the Shearer family from Durham showed they were still capable of being put through their paces.

The family joined more than 12,000 people from across the region who took part in the Greggs Children's Cancer Run at the weekend to raise money for the North of England Children's Cancer Research Fund (NECCR).

Collette Shearer, who was joined by her four-year old son Robbie to take part in the five-mile event, said: "It's been a fantastic day and it's great to know we've done our bit to help research into childrens cancer.

"The fun run is a great family event and I'm sure we'll be back next year."

The charity fun run on Sunday, supported by Greggs, was held at Newcastle Racecourse and all proceeds from the event will go to the NECCR financing research and development at the Childrens Cancer Research Unit in Newcastle.

The Greggs Childrens Cancer Run has become a highlight in the North-East's fundraising calendar since it began 24 years ago.