FORGET the butcher’s block – it’s time to pull out the running socks for father-of-three, Nick Devine.

The butcher, who runs Devine Meats in Main Street, Tadcaster, has signed up for the 5k boys-only R U Taking the P2? on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19 in York.

Nick, 41, will join hundreds of other men to help raise funds for prostate cancer research at Yorkshire Cancer Research’s York University laboratory where drugs are being developed to halt the disease-causing effects of prostate cancer stem cells.

He will run in his white butcher’s smock and green apron while balancing a tray of meat pies.

“My sister-in-law and mother-in-law are running the Race For Life women-only 5K at York Knavesmire on the same day so I thought I would have a go at this boys-only event,” said Nick.

R U Taking the P2? has been organised for the second year by South Bank hairdresser Brian Hughes, 57, and Richard Smith, both members of York Knavesmire Harriers running club.

Meanwhile, seven men from York Opera will be singing their way round the course, blasting out Gilbert & Sullivan operetta choruses. Clive Marshall and Will Gausden will be joined by Nick Skiera, Sanjay Kumrai, Hamish Brown, Martin Sleeman and David Binns.

Mr Hughes said: “They definitely set the tone of the event last year with their singing at the start line and brought up the rear to finish in fine voice to conclude the day’s proceedings.”

The run starts at Rowntree Park at 9.30am. Run in England, Riccall Carers, North Yorkshire Athletics Network, Tesco at Askham Bar and Northern Foods have pledged support. There will be free water, a t-shirt and biscuits on the day.

Race entry is £14 for UK Athletic Club members or £16 for non members. Runners must be over 13 on run date to take part.

Entry forms are available at yorkknavesmireharriers.co.uk or from Up And Running in Fossgate, York, or Sweatshop at the David Lloyd Centre, in Hull Road, York. Alternatively phone Brian on 01904 656427.