A city boutique cracked open the bubbly and encouraged shoppers to part with their pennies for a good cause last night.

Claire Read, who runs Poppy Valentine in Norwich's Royal Arcade, was joined by fellow members of ladies running group NorRaceChicks and their supporters for a special soiree to raise money ahead of this weekend's Race for Life.

The NorRaceChicks were brought together on social networking site Twitter, with many members novice runners or complete beginners who wanted to take part in the 5k run for Cancer Research UK last year.

Anne Joyce, a mother-of-two from Wymondham, said: 'This time last year I couldn't run, but when I heard they were doing the Race for Life I joined.'

Last month the 40-year-old completed the Bungay half-marathon and she is now planning to run the London Marathon next year.

The has also gone from strength to strength and members old and new are looking forward to taking part on Sunday morning.

Tanya Moore, 50, from Blofield, said: 'I've never done the Race for Life before but I'm looking forward to the atmosphere and to everybody running for the same cause.'

The evening, which included a raffle of prizes donated by members of the group, raised �184 and so far the group has raised �650 at its online page at hwww.raceforlifesponsorme.org/NorRaceChicks2011

Are you taking part in Norwich's Race for Life this weekend? Share your photos and videos of the day at www.iwitness24.co.uk