Ilkley's East Holmes Field was turned into a sea of pink on Sunday as more than 1,300 women completed the Race for Life to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The blue skies arrived just in time to welcome a host of runners dressed in striking t-shirts, tutus and fairy-wings, designed to increase awareness of the charity.

By raising money through Race for Life, runners were helping Cancer Research UK's doctors, nurses and scientists make advances in research which will help more people survive.

Laura Taylor, event manager for Race for Life in Yorkshire, said women from many different backgrounds and walks of life supported the race, united by their determination to take on cancer and beat it.

"Race for Life is not competitive and it's not about being fit or fast. It's about thousands of women coming together to show cancer who's boss," she said.

"The ladies have made a massive effort here today, they look great, and they've helped us raise more than we'd hoped for."

Organisers of today's event had set a fundraising target of £60,000 based on 1,000 runners tackling the 5k course, but the record numbers helped boost the total beyond their expectations.

"It was an amazing turnout, and we're very grateful to all the women who entered," said Miss Taylor.

"We were about 300 people up on last year's race, so we should end up raising around £75,000, which is fantastic.

"It has been a busy time for Yorkshire recently, but the ladies came out in force and did us proud."

Prior to the race, runners warmed up by performing the 'Cancer Slam Dance', a routine of eight simple moves put together to illustrate Cancer Research UK's defiant stance against the disease.

Those taking part were also asked to boost their contribution to the charity by holding a "wardrobe work-out" before the event, and many gave unwanted items such as clothes, books, and other accessories to special donation stations around the course.

Each bag can raise up to £25 for ground-breaking research, and it is estimated that around 200 bags were donated on the day.

Cancer Research UK receives no Government funding, but through event's like the Race for Life programme, intends to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

For more information, visit raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org.