THE Isle of Wight's first Inflatable Rainbow Run has sold out, with 1,000 people taking part.

The event, in aid of Wessex Cancer Trust IW, takes place at Sandown Airport on August 5 and will feature a 3km run with ten giant inflatables and half a tonne of powdered paint.

It is hoped the run will raise thousands for the charity’s £100,000 Building for the Future appeal and participants are being urged to raise as much in sponsorship as they can.

Community engagement manager Lorraine White said: “We have been so overwhelmed by the popularity of the Rainbow Run — to sell out in our first year is incredible.

“We really hope the event will raise a big chunk of the money we need to create a new cancer wellbeing centre for the Island and we ask everyone taking part to help us in our mission by getting sponsorship.

“Every single penny will help to make a difference to Islanders affected by cancer.”

Among those taking part are a team from Morrisons in Newport, who have already raised more than £1,300 for the cause.

Morrisons Newport community champion, Leah Tosdevin, said: “It’s really important to us to support the local community and local charities.

"We have 25 members of staff taking part and we are hoping to raise at least £1,500.

"It’s a great charity and we can’t wait to take part. Come on guys, get on board. Let’s raise as much money as possible.”

The charity is also on the look-out for 50 volunteers to help on the day.

If you think you can help or would like to donate to the cause, e-mail lorraine.white@wessexcancer.org.uk.