Energetic siblings Beth and Lucas Coombs aren't letting a little thing like their age stop them taking part in next weekend's OX5 Run.

At 11 and eight, the brother-and-sister team are officially too young to take part in the over-16s only Sunday run at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock.

But mum Sonia, from Spencer Avenue, Kidlington, signed up for the Oxford Children's Hospital fundraiser - and her youngsters are planning to jog alongside to offer support.

Mrs Coombs said: "It's great they think of other people. They are really looking forward to next weekend.

"They have been training hard. Lucas does a lot of long distance running at school and Beth does her PE lessons at Blenheim because she goes to school in Woodstock. We walked the course last year with some friends, one of whom was a little boy who uses the children's hospital.

"But this year they will be running together for the first time."

Beth added: "I did a 5km run at school last year and it was OK. I was very tired though.

"At school, we do lots of swimming, running, throwing the javelin and even shot put.

"I am really looking forward to the run - I'm just hoping to get round."

Lucas, who attends William Fletcher Primary School in Yarnton, said he thought running was fun and was confident he would complete the course.

In March, the siblings held a coffee morning and raised £101 for the Meningitis Trust.

So far, they have raised £235 for the children's hospital - the nominated charity of the OX5 Run. The £30m specialist unit, at the John Radcliffe Hospital site in Headington, opened in January last year and treated more than 60,000 patients in its first year.

The five-mile Blenheim run was due to take place on April 6, but had to be postponed because of heavy snow.

Organisers are hoping even more people will turn out for the rescheduled race.

Runners can pay £10 to register in advance - or £12.50 on the day.

To register, fill in and return the form above, or visit www.oxfordmail.co.uk /sport/ox5run