A CHARITY road race that was almost cancelled because of road works will go ahead after all.

Organisers of the annual Cliffe Woods 10K race feared the event would not take place this summer due to work taking place on a new gas pipeline between the Isle of Grain and Shorne, in Gravesend.

The scheduled works looked likely to affect the race route from Cliffe Woods to Cooling, both near Strood, but National Grid has confirmed by letter that the course won’t be disrupted.

The letter to race organiser Keith Moon read: “The project manager has looked at the route of the run and can confirm that it will not be affected by the construction of the gas pipeline. We will be in touch prior to the event to check that everything is in order.”

Mr Moon said: “We are pleased because it means the race can go ahead but there is still a small degree of uncertainty as they plan to contact us nearer the time.

“What it does mean though is that we can now contact the police and council to make the necessary arrangements for road closures and start filling permits. Posters are also in the process of being produced as well as entry forms.”

The annual 10K race has been running for more than 20 years and attracts hundreds of runners from across the country every year.

For the past nine years the fund-raising event has been organised by the Cerebral Palsy Centre at Bradbury House, Cliffe Woods. Money allows the charity to continue providing free education to children under five who suffer from cerebral palsy or similar motor disorders.

Families and children also get the chance to take part in a fun run before the 10km race starts.

Anyone interested in taking part in the run, due to take place on Sunday, July 13, should contact the Cerebral Palsy Centre on 01634 220330.