AYRSHIRE’s annual Race for Life took place in Irvine at the weekend - with hundreds taking part to raise cash for Cancer Research UK.

North Ayrshire’s Provost Anthea Dickson was given the honour of starting the race- in memory of her late sister - at Irvine Beach Park on Sunday.

More than £42,000 was raised at the Irvine event.

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Irvine.

“The atmosphere at Race for Life Irvine was hugely moving- full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter as people celebrated the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease.”

French and Spanish teacher Elinor Burnard from Paisley was the winner of the 10k. And 13-year-old Jack Caldwell from Kilwinning won the the 5k.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, raises funds for world-class research to help beat 200 types of cancer.