SHUTTLE/Times & News readers can don their walking boots and take a breath of fresh air in a special sponsored walk on behalf of the Back on Track appeal.

Mark Harradine, chairman of Stourport Hockey Club, is organising the event which will start and finish at Stourport Sports Club.

The adapted Stourport circular walk will progress along the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, over Wyre Forest Golf Centre, across Burlish Top Nature Reserve, along the river bank and through the town.

He said: "I thought a walk around Stourport would be quite apt for the appeal because it encompasses a major area of Wyre Forest and the part of the district where the athletics club and hockey club operate from."

Mr Harradine is a keen walker himself and hopes to attract more than 100 people for the event. He said raising £1,000 would be a "splendid result".

He said: "I am absolutely looking forward to it. Just being outside is invigorating with fresh air doing you the world of good."

He added: "Walking is great fun, gives you a real sense of achievement and provides you with a fantastic excuse to find yourself in the pub at the end of the walk."

Mr Harradine explained that the walk would be six-and-a- half miles and would take betwen four and five hours to complete at a "fairly leisurely pace".

He added there would be an opportunity to take shortcuts along the route, allowing the option of walking two or four miles instead so that younger children and the elderly could take part.

He said: "It's a good mix of environments that we will be walking through. We will pass some areas of local beauty and enter the historic basin into the town. "

Participants can choose either to be sponsored for the event or simply provide £10 towards the appeal.

Mr Harradine said: "Fundraising events like this walk are tremendously important because they give everyone an opportunity to contribute.

"It is vital we encourage as many local people as possible to get involved because they are the ones who will benefit from rejuvenated hockey and athletics clubs."

The walk starts at 9am on Sunday, May 18. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times. Walkers should wear a pair of strong boots and bring waterproofs in case of rain.

Details can be found on the hockey club's website at www.stourport-hc.co.uk More information can be obtained from Mr Harradine by e-mailing mark_harradine @stourport-hc.co.uk