WOMEN from across the borough are being urged to put on their walking shoes and raise money for Bury Hospice.

Entries are now being accepted for the charity's second Midnight Walk, which organisers promise will be bigger and better than last year.

A group of up to 500 women will set off from the Bolholt Hotel in Walshaw Road, Bury, at midnight on Saturday, September 15.

They will follow a 13.2-mile circular route towards Radcliffe, stopping at Asda for a comfort stop, before walking past the hospice in Dumers Lane and heading back towards Bury.

Bacon sandwiches and drinks will be provided for women as they cross the finishing line.

The hospice organised their first ever walk last year, when 200 women helped to raise £21,000.

With organisers hoping more than double the number of people will take part this year, that figure is set to be exceeded.

Bury Hospice cares for more than 250 local people with a life-threatening or terminal illness each year, and the money will help to continue the specialist care for people in the town.

Although only women can take part in the walk, anyone over 18-years-old wishing to show their support can volunteer to help with registration, stewarding and refreshments.

Donations are also being accepted from people wishing to sponsor the hospice's nurses taking part.

Events fundraiser Sarah Brealey said: "Last year was our very first Midnight Walk and it was a great experience for everyone who took part. Ever since then, people have been asking when the next walk will be. We want as many people as possible to take part and raise much-needed funds for the hospice."

Anyone wishing to take part in the event should contact (0161) 797 1748, email fundraising@buryhospice.org, or write to Bury Hospice Fundraising Centre, 89 The Rock, Bury, BL9 0NB.

Registration costs £10 and includes a t-shirt, sponsor forms and administration costs.