JOGGERS are being urged to get their running shoes on for a major fundraising event to help keep vulnerable hearts beating.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is this week launching its annual York City Jog to raise money for research into heart disease.

Last year, record numbers of people gave their own hearts a healthy workout when they took part in the event at Tower Gardens.

Now the foundation wants to see more than 800 people spring into action and join this year's jog, which is taking place at Knavesmire. This year's jog aims to raise more than £20,000 to help the foundation's work on the causes and treatment of heart and circulatory disease.

The charity funds vital equipment and patient care, including three of its own heart failure nurses at the North Yorkshire And York Primary Care Trust. The organisation also funds grants for pioneering research at the University of York.

Regional events organiser Helen Whiteley said: "We are appealing to people of all ages living and working in York and surrounding areas to join us on this fun event and help their own hearts as well as those of others who need a helping hand.

"Doing physical exercise is one of the best things you can do to take care of your heart and the emphasis is on having fun. It's not a race and is open to everyone."

Joggers who want to take part in the event, on April 3, can choose either a 5km or 3km route.

To register for the event or find out more, phone 0800 9176976, email neastevents@bhf.org.uk, or visit www.bhf.org.uk/events. Entry costs £5 if paid in advance, or £10 on the day. Under-14s can run for free, and the first 200 people to register will receive a free T-shirt.