FYLDE folk are being asked to go walkabout to help raise much-needed cash for a cancer charity.

Imperial Cancer Research Fund wants local people to put their best foot forward to organise sponsored walks for its appeal.

Walkers of all abilities from hikers to dawdlers are needed to lead and take part in the walks.

The walks, which are part of the Foot Forward Appeal, are intended to raise money for the charity which relies almost entirely on voluntary funding.

It is hoped the walks will raise funds to help its research into the understanding and prevention of cancer.

Norman Bowler - also known as Emmerdale's Frank Tate - is inviting you to "get out your walking boots".

The TV star, a keen walker himself, said: "Every day Imperial Cancer is getting closer to winning the fight.

"Every step you take on your walk will be a step closer to finding cures and saving lives."

Imperial Cancer's Foot Forward co-ordinator, Carole Milligan, said: "One in three people in the UK develop cancer at some time in their lives and the disease claims the life of one in four.

"Joining this year's Foot Forward appeal is an opportunity for everyone to help create a better world for future generations."

As well as the sponsored walks, an open walk has been organised for Sunday, May 18, by the Imperial Cancer Research Fund.

All participants in the sponsored walk will receive a certificate and those raising more than £50 or £100 will recieve T-shirts and sweatshirts.

In addition, the top fundraiser will be awarded a pair of Hillmaster GTX walking boots from the Brasher Boot Company.

For more infomation on how to organise your own walk phone the Foot Forward hotline on 01827 50280.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.