Chippenham Harriers will mark their 25th anniversary by staging the town's first half marathon in 12 years.

The Gazette is supporting the Chippenham half marathon, which last took place in 1996 . It will be resurrected on September 14 with up to 1,000 runners expected to take part.

The 13.1 mile course will start at Bristol Road and take runners through the sealed- off High Street then along Stanley Lane before looping around the northern tip of the town and finishing on the cricket pitch at Chippenham Sports Club.

Ann Slator, who has resigned as secretary of Chippenham Harriers to organise the Gazette-backed event, said: "There used to be a Chippenham half marathon, so we thought what better time is there to resurrect it than our quarter of a century anniversary?

"This is about putting the town on the map - Bath, Bristol, Swindon and Pewsey all have marathons so it's about time Chippenham had one."

Ms Slator, who has organised several races including last month's Slaughterford 9, says the Chippenham half marathon will boast features to make it appealing to the serious runner.

She said: "There's a certain runner that enjoys wet and muddy conditions but, for the general runner, a road race is more attractive.

"Everyone will be chip-timed via a magnetic strip in their number, which will come as a huge expense but it will be well worth it to make the event feel professional.

"We just want to cover our costs then any further money we make will be donated to Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

"I'm sure many of the runners will be raising sponsorship money for their own charities too."

Ms Slator also believes the race will boost the town's economy, with visitors expected to flock from far and wide.

She said: "It could be good for Chippenham because if we get 1,000 runners, that generally equates to 1,000 spectators so it will be brilliant for local pubs, shops and hotels.

"Spectactors will watch their loved ones go off and then they will have an hour or so to kill before they see them again, so they are bound to head into town."

The race entry fee is £17 for the general public and £15 for sports club members.