YORK councillors are putting party politics aside to run in R U Taking the P? - the fun run in aid of the fight against prostate cancer.

A chance meeting with the run's organiser Brian Hughes inspired Liberal Democrat group leader Keith Aspden to sign up and encourage other councillors from different parties to join him.

He was introduced to Mr Hughes when he won Person of the Year at The Press' Community Pride Awards last October, and was so impressed that he agreed to take part in this year’s run at 9.30am on Sunday June 15 at Rowntree Park.

He also encouraged councillors, including Labour's Neil McIlveen, Tory Chris Steward and Lib Dem colleague Nigel Ayre, to do so as well, along with Director of Public Health and deputy chief executive Dr Paul Edmondson-Jones.

Coun Aspden said he was delighted his colleagues were able to join him in the run, adding: "The important point is that we, as councillors of the City of York, show our support and take part in this fun event to raise money and awareness for a local charity."

Since R U Taking the P? was founded in 2010, under the umbrella of Yorkshire Cancer Research, the 5k men-only fun run held annually on Father’s Day has raised more than £46,000 for research into prostate cancer.

To sign up to the race, go to www.yorkshirecancerresearch.org.uk/running or collect a registration form from Brian Hughes at Brian’s Hair Fashions, South Bank Avenue, York