EVESHAM'S mayor is limbering up to take part in one of the town's favourite sporting events next weekend to see if he is fit to run the town.

Councillor Charlie Homer has recently taken over as the town's mayor and immediately signed up to take part in the Evesham 10K along with his partner Maren Fischer.

The race will take place on Sunday, July 13, with the route passing through the streets, parks and riverside parks of the town and the Evesham Bell Tower, which the event will also be raising money for.

To prepare for the race Cllr Homer visited Evesham's Birdseye Sports and Run Stuff where he had a gait analysis to ensure he is running correctly.

The 28-year-old, who is the first mayor to run the race, said: "It's going to be a challenge, it's not something I have done before. I have don some training, but I usually play rugby.

"I chose to do the event because I don't want to be there at the event just watching people running, I wanted to be there with them.

"The gait analysis is good for me because I have broken my hip and torn my asl so I am hoping this will help my running style."

Dave Bugg, who owns the store, which also sponsors the event, said the gait analysis aims to solve running style problems and encourage people to be more efficient runners.

He added: "We are planning to make Charlie a special t-shirt to run in with a chain printed onto it."

For runners who have yet to sign up there is still time.

Robert Hale, race director, said: "We are going to see if Charlie is fit to run the town.

"We also hope to see about 800 people running and entrants can sign up even on the day itself. There is also a fun run for four age groups. We are supporting the Bell Tower as it's an iconic building and Evesham would be nothing without it."

To take part in the run visit eveshamvalerunningclub.org.uk or runbritain.com.