FREEMASONS are taking a hike to help cancer sufferers.

They hope their aching feet will boost funds for Wigan and Leigh Hospice and Derian House children's hospice after an 18 mile charity walk.

Members of the Leigh group of lodges are stepping out in the event which is being organised by the Province of West Lancashire during National Hospice Week.

They will be supporting fellow freemason Alf Short, a 60-years-old marathon ace, who next month will walk more than 200 miles in eight days visiting all the 16 hospices from Ulverston to Prescot.

The Leigh contingent will join Alf on the stretch from Preston to Hindley on June 15.