WALKERS will be pounding the pavement to raise money for St Richard's Hospice this Sunday.

The hospice’s seventh annual Waterways Walk will this year will include a new family friendly six-mile route as well as 11-mile and 21-mile routes.

There is still time to sign up to take part in the walks which raises money for the hospice's care for patients with life-limiting illnesses.

The full 21-mile sponsored walk follows towpaths and riverside footpaths from Droitwich Spa Marina in a circular route through the beautiful scenery and open countryside of Worcestershire.

It passes 41 locks along the Droitwich Canal to the River Severn and back along the Worcester-Birmingham Canal.

The midi 11-mile route will take walkers from Droitwich Spa Marina, along the Droitwich Canal via Hawford, to complete their challenge at the finish line at The Anchor Inn, Diglis.

These routes are not suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs or children aged under 12 years.

New for this year is a family friendly six mile circular route, starting and finishing at Perdiswell Sports Centre in Worcester.

The route is suitable for participants of any age and follows pavements to Northwick before picking up the River Severn footpath through Pitchcroft Racecourse and Diglis Marina.

Pushchairs and wheelchairs are welcome on this route and dogs are welcome to join in the fun along any of the three routes.

Alison Parkes, senior fundraiser at St Richard’s Hospice said: “This is really a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty and nature of Worcestershire’s waterways.

"Our annual event is always great fun with a friendly atmosphere and is suitable for all the family, although you also need to be reasonably fit to walk either of the longer routes.

"Over 100 people have already signed up to take part but we are hoping that many more will join us for this memorable event and raise funds to help the hospice continue to offer compassionate care to those who are at the end of their lives.”

People wishing to sign up should bring the registration fee, £10 per person, £5 for under 16s, in cash on the day.

For more information contact the hospice’s fundraising team on 01905 763963.