TOWNSFOLK are being encouraged to support a popular annual event raising money for a cancer charity.

The Forget Me Not walk challenges participants to do a one, three, five, eight or 12-mile walk to raise money for the Bromsgrove branch of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

Hundreds of residents have taken part in the event since it was first organised in 2008 by Stoke Heath fundraiser Nicole Harris.

The chairman of the branch originally organised the event in memory of her son, Marc, who died of the cancer when he was only nine in 1989.

Over the past six years the event has raised thousands for the charity - last year it raised more than £7,000.

Nicole said the support for this year's event had so far been OK with more than 220 people signing up - but she needs more people to register and take part.

The event is being held on Sunday, June 8, with all the distance challenges all starting from Sanders Park.

The one mile walk is perfect for families, while the distance walks take ramblers on a countryside walk with watering holes along the way.

Participants are asked to wear appropriate shoes, bring refreshments, and to be at the park for 10am on the day, when the first walk sets off.

Walks will also finish at the park, off Kidderminster Road, where children will be able to collect their medal for finishing.

Pre-registration fees are £8 for adults, which includes a t-shirt, and £5 for children aged 12 and under, which includes the medal.

For a family of four there is a special entrance fee available, costing £24.

To enter on the day,the fee for adults will be £10.

All the money raised from the event is being donated to the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research charity, which helps fund vital research to prevent, treat and cure cancer diseases.

Anyone wanting to pre-book can do so by calling Nicole on 01527 878493 or email nicnoelharris@aol.com.

Alternatively, for more information or to register, visit leukaemialymphomaresearch.org.uk/event/walking/bromsgrove-forget-me-not-walk-2014.