ENTRIES are now open for one of the Worth Valley's most popular annual fundraising events.

People are being invited to take part in this summer's Oxenhope Straw Race, which will be held on Sunday, July 5.

The event has been running for 38 years. Competitors, many of whom wear fancy dress, are asked to run about two and a half miles while carrying a bale of straw and stopping at five venues along the route for a drink of beer.

The route follows roads and public footpaths in and around Oxenhope.

Entries will remain open until Friday, July 3, and people can visit strawrace.com for information on how to participate and to download sponsor forms.

Each two-person team is asked to pledge a minimum of at least £20.

So far, the straw race has raised about £300,000 for charities and other good causes.

Last year's race raised a total of £14,000, despite having to take place a week later than usual to avoid a clash with the Tour de France.