FRIENDS of murdered Haslingden student Sophie Lancaster have launched an annual Coast to Coast Walk in her memory in a bid to raise £10,000.

Brian Stack, 25, and his friend Stuart Kemp, 27, both from Manchester are currently aiming to walk 167 miles in 13 days.

The pair who met Sophie in Manchester, are hoping to raise the cash for The Sophie Lancaster Foundation and make the event an annual occurrence.

They will finish in Whitby on April 26, to coincide with the Whitby Gothic Weekend.

Brian said: “I guess I'm doing this walk for a few different reasons, firstly for the amazing mother of a late friend who continues to inspire me and show us all there is still hope.

“The support and interest for the event has been very positive and motivational. If we make our target I would be absolutely ecstatic.”

The pair, who have been joined by groups of friends, and Sophie Lancaster Foundation supporters, set off from St Bees, West Cumbria on April 13.