MECHANICS and office staff from Motorworld are tuning up to hit top gear for the OX5 charity run through the picturesque grounds of Blenheim Palace.

The company, which has showrooms in Botley Road and Iffley Road, Oxford, and at Kidlington, is hoping to enter at least 20 people for the event.

Motorworld is also sponsoring the race's lead cars - two new Volvo C30s - which will carry timers and point the way for the front runners.

Marketing co-ordinator Laura Taylor, 23, said: "It is something close to all our hearts and it is a local charity.

"It was also a good opportunity to showcase the new Volvo C30 and hopefully its sleek design will act as an incentive to the front runners."

Service manager Jon Hale, who will be running his fourth OX5, added: "Chox is a very worthwhile cause. I have not got children myself, but I have a lot of friends and family who do and I wanted to support them."

While both are hoping to get around the course in a reasonable time, but they said taking part was the most important thing. Miss Taylor, who ran the Race for Life for Cancer Research last year, added: "Most of us in the team are planning to walk a bit and run a bit, and just make it round in one piece."

The run takes place on Sunday, March 25, and organisers are hoping that the number of entrants on the starting line will top last year's figure of just over 1,200.

To join the event, fill in an application form as soon as possible.

Those who raise £100 in sponsorship will earn a limited edition Chox T-shirt, those who raise £200 will be rewarded with a limited edition Chox sweatshirt and those who manage to break the £300 barrier will receive a limited edition Chox hooded top.

The closing date for entries is Saturday, March 10. For details call 01865 425273.