Athletes will take part in a special hammer throw competition this weekend in memory of a much-missed friend.

The Lesley Little Hammer Competition takes place at the Sheepmount in Carlisle on Sunday.

More than 30 athletes will take part in memory of Lesley Little, who was a great supporter of Cumbrian athletics for many years.

The event will raise money for the LIVErNORTH charity. Lesley was a liver transplant patient in 2007 and the charity helped greatly at the time.

LIVErNORTH continue to support liver disease patients and their families and support research.

This will be the second hammer event in memory of Lesley, who passed away in February last year.

She was the wife of long-serving athletics coach John Little, the head coach of Cumbria School of Hammer.

Among the athletes taking part, from seniors to under-11s, will be one of the leading throwers in the country, Jack Paget from Thames Valley Harriers.

Carlisle’s teenage national champion Joshua Reibbitt will also compete, as well as the UK’s top-ranked under-15 girl, Sophie Robertson from Cumbernauld.

Carlisle's rising hammer star Joshua Reibbitt, centre, will be among the competitorsCarlisle's rising hammer star Joshua Reibbitt, centre, will be among the competitors (Image: Supplied)

“There are also a number of newcomers to the sport,” said John Little.

“Really it is not so much about the results of the competitions but using the event to raise money for a very worthwhile cause.”

John and Lesley were married for more than 45 years and, whilst not a sportswoman herself, supported John and son David in their sports interests up and down the country.

She helped in the running of the Border Harriers track and field team in the British Athletics League and was always keen to welcome new athletes and encourage Cumbrian youngsters in particular.

“Many thanks to Paul Holliday and Simon Reibbitt for initially suggesting the Lesley Little Memorial competition, their support and taking so much time in organising this event,” John added.

“To all who are competing, officiating and watching thank you for attending and please enjoy this day in memory of my wife, Lesley.”

The event gets under way at 10am on Sunday.