The Greggs Children's Cancer Run takes place on May 11 and will benefit the Yorkshire Cancer Centre appeal – supported by the YEP as well as Leeds-based children's cancer charity Candlelighters.

Emmerdale star Luke Tittensor, who plays Daz Eden in the Yorkshire soap, teamed up with his twin brother and Shameless star Elliott to launch the event.

Luke said: "I'm really pleased to be able to lend my support and encourage as many people as possible to take part .

"Both Candlelighters and the Yorkshire Cancer Centre (YCC) are extremely worthy causes and I am sure the money raised will make a real difference to families who are affected by cancer."

This is the third year that Greggs, which has its Leeds bakery in Bramley, has organised the run at Bramham Park near Wetherby. Last year more than £30,000 was raised for Candlelighters.

Sally Amos of Candlelighters said: "Children travel from throughout the region for treatment and we have seen people from all over Yorkshire turn out to raise money for our patients and their families which was absolutely fantastic."

This year it is hoped 800 runners will do either the one mile family fun run or the five mile course.

And proceeds will also go to the YCC appeal, for which the YEP is raising £3m.

The centre at St James's Hospital opened earlier this year and we want to buy two extra radiotherapy machines to provide the very best in cancer treatment.

Appeal director Sheila O'Shea said: "The Greggs run is going to be a great event for YCC and we know that a lot of our families and medical and nursing staff will be taking part on the day.

"I am sure the run will raise a great deal of awareness for the charity and hopefully a lot of money will be raised through runners' sponsorship as well."

Run organiser Bruce Duncan, financial controller at Greggs of Yorkshire said: "To raise almost triple our target the first year was astounding and to equal that amount was the icing on the cake.

"However we have set our sights even higher this year and are determined to raise £35,000 for Candlelighters and YCC."

To sign up, visit any Greggs shop, email yorkshirefunrun@greggs.co.uk or call 0113 218 0246.

katie.baldwin@ypn.co.uk