HUNDREDS of walkers of all ages are being asked to dig out their walking boots and join the annual Malvern Hills Walk for a Worcester charity.

The walk, in aid of the St Richard's Hospice, will be held on Saturday, May 17.

Last year more than 600 people took part in the family fun day, raising almost £27,000 towards the hospice work for patients and families with cancer and other life-threatening illness.

Organisers hope this year's event will prove to be just as popular.

St Richard's Hospice fundraiser, Joanna Street, said: "This is a wonderful annual event which is now in its 24th year.

"The walk is one of the highlights of the hospice calendar and is a hugely popular fundraising event.

"It is not only great fun for those taking part, but also the money raised makes such a big difference to helping us continue with our work locally."

She added: "The views from the Malvern Hills are spectacular and give such panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. It's impossible to tire of such fantastic views and is well worth the effort.

"We also want to say a big thank you to Mountainshack for their sponsorship again this year."

Keen walkers can stride out on the five or 11-mile routes and there is also a two-mile stroll so that all ages and fitness levels are catered for.

The Malvern Sea Cadets will be on hand catering for those who have built up an appetite, and St John Ambulance are available to support the walkers. There is no entry fee but participants are asked to donate their sponsorship money to St Richard's.

St Richard's moved into its new £5.25m hospice at Wildwood Drive, Worcester in 2006. All the services are free and each year St Richard's cares for in the region of 1,700 patients and families.

To walk for St Richard's or for more information please contact the fundraising team on 01905 763963 or download the registration form at www.strichards.org.uk