SHELL UK (Stanlow) is sponsoring the prestigious Shell Four Villages Half Marathon.

The well-established and popular 13-mile road race, scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 18, is organised by Helsby Running Club.

It starts at Helsby Community Sports Club and takes in the villages of Helsby, Dunham-on-the-Hill, Mouldsworth and Manley.

Entries are now full for the fixture, which attracts a maximum entry limit of approximately 2,500 competitors.

No entries are taken on the day but people are always welcome to come along to spectate and cheer on the runners.

Shell UK public affairs manager Edward Brady said they were “excited and delighted” to be on board for the fixture - which is Helsby’s biggest participation event.

Mr Brady added: “It’s great to be associated with such a popular event.

“The race has an important place on the British running calendar.

“It has been going strong for more than 25 years and with our help it will have an even better future.”

Half Marathon organiser Andy Smith said: “The race has grown in both number and stature since its inception in 1982 where we saw around 100 runners attending the inaugural event. Today the number of entries always exceeds the limit.

“We are very grateful to Shell whose support has allowed us to proceed with greater confidence in putting on the event.”

The race also helps to generate many £1,000s for local charities.

Runners will be requested to assemble at the start line at 10:45am.