CHARITY fund-raisers will climb Darwen Moors in their hundreds to take part in the annual town Tower Trudge.

The event on Sunday, April 30, is organised by the Rotary Club of Darwen to raise money for good causes in the area.

To celebrate the millennium an extra route is planned for people who want to extend the traditional 10 miles into a half marathon.

Rotary Club community services chairman Bill Lee said: "We organise and supervise the Tower Trudge to help charities and local organisation raise money for themselves.

"We are expecting about 300 people to take part this year. The 13 mile route is for those who are looking for something more challenging."

Registration is a 9am at the Kiosk in Sunnyhurst Woods. Participants are asked to contribute 10 per cent of their sponsorship money to the Rotary Club or pay a £3 entry fee. Everybody who completes either route will be presented with a certificate.

Sponsorship forms are available from Darwen Television Services, Mark Graham hairdressers, Melbro Properties, the Halifax, Darwen Law Chambers and Rainbow Children's Nursery, all Darwen.

Among the walkers is Peter Holderness, honorary chairman and trustee of Blackburn and District Blind Society. Mr Holderness, who is registered blind, is managing director of Verifyne Plastic Products Ltd, of Blackburn.

He said: "As a long-standing member of Darwen Rotary Club I will be doing the annual Tower Trudge. As a blind person myself I would like to raise as much money as possible for the Blind Society."

Anybody who wants to support his effort should ring Blackburn and District Blind Society on 01254 54143 or Mr Holderness on 01254 675639.