Big-hearted Oxford United players are throwing their support behind a race to raise funds to help people with heart problems.

The team is helping to promote this year's Hearts First Blenheim 10k Bolt after club chairman Nick Merry signed up to get involved with the race.

Hundreds of runners and walkers will take part in the bolt around the grounds of Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, on Sunday, September 17.

Although football fixtures the day before and after have made it impossible for any players to take part in the race, each have given their backing to the cause.

Mr Merry will be at Blenheim to start the race at 11am and said he was keen for the club to show its support because health was such an important issue.

He said: "Keeping fit is important for a healthy heart and what better way to do this than by heading down to Blenheim Palace for this event?

"Anyone can take part and help raise money for this extremely worthy cause."

The race will raise funds for the British Heart Foundation and go towards work to help people like nine-year-old Nicole Wareing, from Banbury.

Nicole was born with a hole in her heart and her family believe she would not have survived without the research carried out by the BHF.

As reported by the Oxford Mail, the schoolgirl helped race organisers officially launch the promotion of the race two months ago.

On Thursday, the Oxford United team took time out of training at Milton Training Ground, near Abingdon, to meet race organiser Louise McCathie and the BHF's mascot, Hearty.

Ms McCathie said: "We're delighted Oxford United is supporting our fun event.

"More than 650 people took part last year and we hope even more join in this time around.

"It will help save lives."

Entry to the race costs £8 for adults, £5 for under-16s and £25 for families of two adults and two children. To register, call the freephone hotline, 0800 1693672, or email westevents@bhf.org.uk