A team of runners from Oxford Airport hope they will be flying high in Sunday's Town and Gown fun run.

The 40-strong team, made up of airport staff and members of Aviators, the airport's gym, have put in the miles and are keen to make sure the hard work pays off in the 10km race.

The event, a fundraising event for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, is this year celebrating its 25th anniversary. The race, which is sponsored by the Oxford Mail, has raised almost £600,000 since 1981.

Jason Biles, director of Aviators and leader of the team, said: "We have had a team in the Town and Gown fun run for the past seven years and it's always a brilliant spectacle.

"There's a fantastic atmosphere before the start, as there's a real mix of people, some taking it seriously and others who are fun runners just enjoying the day.

"There aren't many races like that.

"The Town and Gown is one of the best races in Oxfordshire for its atmosphere.

"We've often found that people who take part for the first time come back for more, because they've enjoyed it so much."

The Aviators team has won the title of top fundraisers four times in the past six years.

Mr Biles said: "This year, Oxford Airport offered to sponsor us, so we're hoping to raise a healthy sum.

"It's always hard to predict how much we'll raise, but we're hoping to reach the £1,500 mark."

Mr Biles said the team consisted of a "complete mix" of abilities, ranging from serious club runners to people who had never run 10km before.

"We're all looking forward to it," he said.

"It's good to be part of the Town and Gown and do our bit with fundraising."

The race will be started by BBC television presenter Sue Barker, who is the president of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, at 10am from Fyfield Road.

Runners will then make their way along Parks Road and through University Parks, before passing several of the city's historic landmarks and university colleges.

The finish, as in previous years, will be in The Parks, close to the cricket ground.