LIVES can be saved at sea – by young runners.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution wants children to take part in the Junior Great North Run.

The charity has a number of places available for the junior races in Newcastle on September 29.

There are three children’s runs taking place on the same day as the world’s biggest half-marathon.

The one-mile Tesco Mini Great North Run for children aged three to eight starts at noon.

It will be followed by a two-mile race for nine to 12s and a three-mile run for children aged 13 to 16.

RNLI spokeswoman Viv Featherstone encouraged young people to take part. She said: “We hope the junior runs will encourage a new generation of youngsters to support the RNLI, as well as to have a great time taking part in a wonderful sporting event.”

The charity relies entirely on donations and legacies from the public for the £119m it needs each year. Call Viv on 0161 787 8779 or email: vfeatherstone@rnli.org.uk