THESE hunky male cheerleaders will provide an unexpected treat for the thousands of women taking part in next Sunday's Race for Life on Southampton Common.

The high-kicking lads - recruited by skincare brand Nivea - will be flinging their pom-poms in support of the girls as they walk or run the 5k course to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

As well as performing their impressive routines, the dashing cheerleading troop will be selling special fundraising flowers and drumming up encouragement among male spectators.

Every year, hundreds of husbands, boyfriends, dads, sons and brothers line the Race for Life route to cheer on the runners. Many of them have helped their loved ones prepare for the event in the weeks leading up to the race.

Nivea's Sarah Carter said: "Although Race for Life is a women-only event we really want men to feel that they can offer their support and play an important part in the day too. Our cheerleaders will add to the already great atmosphere on the day and encourage guys to offer their support to their female friends and relatives."

The Southampton Race is one of 260 taking place across the UK this summer, raising an estimated £50m to help beat cancer.

Race organiser Hannah White hopes that the Southampton event - the biggest in the country - will generate a whopping £583,000 for vital research.

The race starts at 11am but the organisers recommend that those taking part should get there from 10am to take part in the aerobic warm-up.