In response to requests from last year's competitors, some innovations are promised for this year's seventh annual Ruby Run half marathon which will be run from Hatherleigh to Holsworthy on Sunday, June 14.

Six Dartington Crystal trophies will be awarded to each of the first three men and women. There will be new age categories: for men aged over 40, over 50 and over 60, and for women over 35, over 45 and over 55. The first in each class will receive a prize.

There will also be a trophy for a team event. Teams will be of six runners of whom five will each run two miles and the sixth will run 3.1 miles. All runners who complete the course will receive a Ruby Run t-shirt.

Proceeds from this year's race will go to the Children's Hospice South West, to the Holsworthy Youth Project run in association with the local police and to the Hatherleigh Island Playground Project.

Prospective runners can now apply for entry forms by phoning the race secretary, Carol Smith on 01837 810476 or later this month they will be able to apply on line on [email protected]">[email protected]