Fifty schoolchildren gathered for the launch of the Moor Park 10k this week.

Organisers held an event at the Moor Park Golf Club on Monday and the 10k race and junior fun runs will raise money for the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre (LJMC).

Race organiser John Hambleton said: “The launch was a huge success and gave us the opportunity to speak with children, parents and teachers from Bushey, Northwood, Rickmansworth, Sarratt and encouraged to go back to their schools to help motivate mass participation.

“There will be particular interest in who wins this year's 2012 Shield for the largest team.

“The rivalry between previous winners St. Helens and Charlotte House is huge and a number of other schools are rising to the challenge to see the trophy change hands”.

The popular event is held every year at the Sandy Lodge Road school.

The LJMC, which is based at Mount Vernon Hospital, in Northwood, provides support to patients and families who have been affected by cancer.