PEOPLE are being encouraged put their best foot forward and raise money for charity at a number of walking events across Worcestershire.

St Richard’s Hospice is organising the challenges, which are suitable for families and serious ramblers, and hopes the county's wonderful countryside will attract members of the public to get involved.

Money raised from the events will support the hospice’s work caring for patients with life-threatening illnesses and supporting their loved-ones.

Rachel Jones, fundraising manager at St Richard’s Hospice, said: “We are grateful to everyone who takes part and raises funds through sponsorship.

“Our walking events are very popular and there is always a party atmosphere, especially when the sun shines.

“The money raised from our events helps St Richard's to care for our patients, their families and loved-ones through our wide range of services.”

On Saturday, May 16, the Malvern Hills Walk will offer “spectacular views” and a “great day out”, with two-mile, five-mile and 11-mile routes available.

For fitter walkers there will be the chance to complete the entire Worcestershire Way in a single day on Friday, June 19 – the event’s 10th anniversary. The ramble will feature “quintessentially English countryside” but at 31-miles won’t be for the faint-hearted.

The Aztec Walk on Sunday, July 5, however will be suitable for all ages with two, five and 10-mile options and a host of fun activities including a bouncy castle and barbecue, while the Waterways Walk on Sunday, August 2, has 10 or 21-mile routes along “Worcestershire’s beautiful waterways”.

For those looking for the ultimate physical challenge St Richard’s is also offering a choice of long distance and endurance events, including the Malvern Hills Ultra Challenge, the TrekFest Challenge in the Brecon Beacon and a four-day Sahara Desert Trek.

More details on all of these fundraising events are available at strichards.org.uk