A GROUP of women will take part in their first Skipton Parkrun on Saturday after completing a training course.

The North Yorkshire Sport-inspired project has seen the group grow from just three to about 30 in a 12-week programme to get them off the sofa and running.

And under the training of Andy Mouncey, from Settle, the group will take part in this weekend's Parkrun in Aireville Park, Skipton, while at the same time raising money for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Andy, a triathlete, coach and inspirational speaker, said 'Couch 2 5k' is a recognised programme aimed at easing people into taking part in Parkruns – weekly 5k runs held at parks across the country.

It started with lunchtime training sessions with just three women turning up, but following an appeal on social media, the number taking part had increased to 31 three weeks later.

After taking part in Saturday's Parkrun, the aim is to keep the group motivated and to continue running and exercising.