EVERYONE of all ages and abilities is invited to take to the track at Tavistock College on Sunday, March 17 to raise not only a few smiles but also as much money as possible for BBC Comic Relief ... and don't forget your Red Nose!

The event, on the modern, all weather running track, is organised by Tavistock Athletic Club.

Organisers are hoping to raise £5,000 which will 'bring about positive and lasting change in the lives of poor and disadvantaged people' at home and abroad for the charity.

Keith Bowles, the vice-chair of TAC, said: 'The idea is that you obtain sponsors to do a mile on the track – just over four laps – by running, jogging, walking or pushing a buggy. Manual wheelchair users are also welcome with someone pushing them if necessary. Whole families can take part together!

'The track provides a flat and slightly springy surface and so makes for a very comfortable and easy walk, jog or run. Everyone can do a mile, so everyone is invited.'

There will be different 'waves' for various categories – walkers, pushers, joggers and runners of varying speeds – at various times through the morning, starting at 9.30am. If hundreds of people turn up, additional waves will be staged in the afternoon as numbers on the track will be limited in the interests of safety. Youngsters taking part in the Primary School Challenge will also have the opportunity to run a mile.

Participants are asked to download a sponsor form from http://www.rednoseday.com/fundraise/ideas-and-tools">www.rednoseday.com/fundraise/ideas-and-tools or obtain one from the offices of Gibbs Kirby estate agents in Market Road or the Times in Brook Street. Red Noses and other merchandise are available from Oxfam in Tavistock or online http://www.rednoseday.com/order-stuff">www.rednoseday.com/order-stuff