CANVEY will be awash with runners next month all trying to achieve their personal best times for charity.

The fourth annual Canvey 5K and 10K races will take place on Sunday, September 9.

All proceeds from this year's event, once again organised by Canvey Rotary Club, will go to Havens Hospices.

Both races will start and finish at Castle View School taking in the island's scenery and sea wall.

Last year 250 runners took part, helping to raise £1,500 for charity.

John Tremain, Canvey Rotary Club member, said: "This is a lovely route suitable for beginners and seasoned runners.

"All sponsorship that is raised by participants this year will be helping a very worthwhile charity that does great work in our community."

Every runner who completes the course will receive a medal.

Runners are being asked to sign up in advance, but on-the-day entries will be accepted for an extra fee.

Participants are also encouraged to collect sponsorship from friends and family or donations to boost funds for Havens Hospices.

Parking facilities, toilets, changing rooms and refreshments will be available at the venue.

Havens Hospices manages Fair Havens Hospice, in Westcliff and Little Havens Children's Hospice, Thundersley.

It will cost nearly £5million this year for the two hospices which respectively care for adults from across Castle Point, Southend and Rochford, and children from across Essex.

Entrance forms, maps, race details and results can be downloaded from the dedicated website www.canveyrotary.org.uk or by calling 01268 758693 or 07766 164147.