Everyone in Oxfordshire is being urged to take part in the city's first jogathon in a bid to improve the county's health in the long run.

It is hoped hundreds of people will sign up for the flagship event in South Park on Bank Holiday Monday, May 29, which is running alongside the annual Lord Mayor's Parade.

The 5k or 1,500m jogathons are being organised by Sport England.

Lord Mayor Bob Price said: "This is a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy a bit of light exercise in wonderful surroundings. As part of the city's encouragement to keep everyone fit and healthy, we want as many people as possible to take part in this event.

People will be able to jog around the park and then take part in all the fun activities in South Park."

The parade marks the start of incoming Lord Mayor Jim Campbell's one-year term of office and sees a procession of floats through the city centre.

It will start at 11am in Banbury Road, ending with fundraising stalls and entertainment in South Park.

Last year, charities criticised organisers for moving the date and location of the parade, claiming they lost out on vital funds because it was so poorly attended.

The city council which took over running the parade from Oxford Isis Lions Club in 2005 came under fire for moving the date from Bank Holiday Monday to Sunday, and the stalls to Oxpens Park, off Oxpens Road.

This year, the council will only be responsible for the parade and the Lions will organise entertainment in the park, which starts at noon.

Entry forms are available from city council leisure centres. For more information visit www.jogathon.co.uk.