THE MONMOUTHSHIRE-based television presenter Lisa Rogers is due to start the children’s races at the annual Devauden 10k races.

The former Scrapheap Challenge presenter, who lives near Devauden, will launch the first races at the village’s Hood Memorial Hall on Bank Holiday Monday.

There are cross country races for every age group including children age six and under from 10am.

Those who complete the course in under a hour will win a T-shirt, specially designed by artist Pat Kenneally of Itton.

A male or female runner who sets a new course record for the 10k will also win £100. Each Category winner, including the six year olds, will be presented with a distinctive wooden trophy. All children that complete the course will receive a race medal.

Following the award ceremony spectators will be entertained by local brownies, who will perform traditional maypole dancing and singing on the village green at around 1.30pm.

They will perform the traditional ribbon dance on the green, accompanied by the ceilidh band ‘Life of Riley.’ The band will also hold folk dancing lessons during the races.

Race organiser, John Brooks said the event has had over 100 pre-entries which is a record.

“We hope it will be a great family day out where children and adults can run around an area of outstanding natural beauty and then enjoy fabulous homemade cakes and traditional Mayday celebrations,” he added.

The event is held in aid of SARA and the Hood Memorial Hall, Devauden. The races start at 10am and the Maypole dancing at 1.30pm. Visit www.devauden.org.uk/races