TAVISTOCK Athletic Club recently announced they have secured a new sponsor for the town relay races that are held as part of Tavistock Carnival week in the Meadows.

This year's races are to be held on Thursday, July 16 and are to be sponsored by local stationery firm PCC Office supplies of Crelake Industrial Estate in Tavistock.

Its director Robert Oxborough said: 'We're delighted to be involved with such an excellent, community event, that raises money for the work of Tavistock Lions, who donate to such worthwhile local causes.

'PCC Office Supplies have many customers in the Tavistock and Plymouth area and we'll be encouraging our customers to enter teams in what is really a great fun event.'

The relay races consist of junior and senior events, with four runners to a team. Each runner will run a 1.1mile leg. In the junior relays teams are from Years 5 and 6 upwards to Years 11 and 12 and is focused on primary and secondary schools, local athletic and sports clubs. Tavistock Rugby Club did particularly well in the 2014 junior event.

Race director Martin Exley-Deane said: 'I'm not sure why rugby players are faster than football or hockey players — but lets see which club shines in 2015.'

The senior event is open to athletic clubs, sports clubs and corporate teams. There will also be a fun run on the 1.1mile course, with all finishers receiving a medal.

Last year the relays had a record entry of 79 teams in the senior event and the athletic club are expecting an even bigger entry for 2015, so are encouraging early entry.