Children's ward staff at Oxford's Radcliffe Infirmary are getting ready for a five-mile run to raise money for better services for their young patients.

Workers on Leopold Ward and Coombe Ward are taking part in the OX5Run to aid the Oxford Children's Hospital Campaign.

Children admitted for neurological and craniofacial treatment will directly benefit from the new £20m hospital, planned at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Headington.

Unlike young patients at the JR, those at the RI do not have access to paediatric intensive care or a qualified out-of-hours paediatrician.

So far, 11 nurses and paediatric neurosurgeon Peter Richards have signed up to join the Ox5Run, which is being organised by the Oxford Mail and its sister paper The Oxford Times.

Senior children's nurse Penny Hambridge, said: "We want to be on one site. It's better for the children.

"Their facilities are so different to other patients', because they're not little adults and are completely different. Medicine has moved on while we've been down here.

"We want state-of-the-art facilities in a child-friendly environment, where everyone understands the needs of children.

"We think that as staff who are directly involved in the Oxford Children's Hospital Campaign, we can take part in this run and raise money and awareness."

The event, on March 23, is being held at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, and costs £6 to enter in advance or £10 on the day. Entry forms are being printed in the Oxford Mail and The Oxford Times. For details, call 01865 425362 or 425370.

The Oxford Bus Company will run free shuttle buses from the Pear Tree Park and Ride, in Oxford.