Runners taking part in this year's OX5 Run will be able to race alongside small screen legend Jason Donovan to raise money for the Oxford Children's Hospital.

Last year, Jason, who is a loyal supporter of Chox, started the five-mile race around the grounds of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock.

But this year the former Neighbours actor and current star of Echo Beach will be lining up at the start with the hundreds of runners to get ready for the testing trip around the palace grounds.

Claire Hooper, a spokesman for the children's hospital, said: "We're delighted Jason has decided to run the race this year - and that shows the strength of his support for the charity.

"He visited the hospital last year to meet patients and their families and he has been a loyal supporter of the children's hospital for a number of years.

"We look forward to seeing him on the morning of the race - I have no doubt the other runners taking part will enjoy lining up alongside him."

More than 550 runners have signed up so far for this year's race.

Last year, 150 people turned up to register on the day, and organisers are hoping an even greater number will do the same on SundayApril 6.

Miss Hooper reminded runners that those entering on the morning of the race need to turn up at 9am to register.

The race starts at 10.30am and costs £12.50 to enter on the day.

She added: "We're urging as many people as possible to turn up on Sunday morning to raise thousands of pounds for a good cause - and the earlier you turn up to register, the better."

Last year, a field of about 800 runners brought in £50,000 for the appeal to raise £15m towards the £30m cost of the children's hospital.

The purpose-built facility opened at the John Radcliffe Hospital over a year ago and more than £13.8m has now been raised towards the final target.

In its first year, staff at the hospital treated more than 60,000 young patients from Oxfordshire and across the country.

See tomorrow's Oxford Mail for an exclusive interview with Jason Donovan