A SEA of pink washed over Cirencester as women ran, walked and danced through the countryside, braving the battle against cancer.

Thousands of ladies descended on Cirencester Park to tackle Race for Life, in a bid to raise money and awareness for Cancer Research UK.

Despite storms clouding the area at the beginning of the weekend, blue skies made an appearance and the sun shone for the morning of the popular event.

Thousands of pink t-shirts, hats, wigs and dresses were donned for the special day and friends, mothers, sisters and grandmothers all united in the fight against cancer.

One group, The Stow Smoothies from Stow-on-the-Wold, ran the race kitted out in pink tutus and masks. The group of friends had already raised £500 for the charity.

Another trio of friends, Marky's Angels were running for Nicky Bruton's husband who had suffered from the disease.

The Standard team, made up of Megan Archer, Emma Gray, Helen Gray and Jessica Gray, also took on the challenge and all finished the race between 40 and 50 minutes. They ended up raising over £550.

"The morning was great fun," said Emma Gray. "There was a really friendly atmosphere that didn't distract from the reason we were all there, to help in the fight against cancer."

Organisers announced that the Cirencester Race for Life event had raised a staggering £90,242.

Event manager Michelle Leighton said: "I feel so grateful to everyone who is taking part in Race for Life in Cirencester, and to all the family, friends and colleagues who are supporting them.

"What better way to fight back against cancer than by raising funds to beat the disease."

See this week's Standard for a full picture spread from the day.