ORGANISERS of Darwen's annual Tower Trudge are urging people to help raise thousands for charity after a disappointing turn-out last year.

Over the last decade, local charities, schools, community organisations and individuals have flocked to take part in the event, organised by the Rotary Club of Darwen.

Last year organisers moved the event to summer in the hope that warmer weather would attract more people but only 50 joined in.

This year the walk will be ten miles, suitable for children, and will take place on Sunday, May 9.

The route has been slightly altered this year to make it more enjoyable, taking in the woods and water trail at Roddlesworth.

It will start from the Old England Kiosk in Sunnyhurst Wood, between 9 and 9.30am, and will come back to the same point where refreshments will be available.

The last checkpoint, which will be Darwen Tower, will close at 1.30pm. Gilbert Riley, Tower Trudge co-ordinator, said: "The turn-out last year was disappointing so we have reverted to the spring date.

"We hope to get between 150 and 200 walkers this year. The maximum ever was over 350.

"As each walker or group raises their own funds we can only get an estimate, but last year from what walkers told us I estimated that over £1,500 was raised.

"If we get the numbers, we would hope that well over £1,000 would be raised by the walkers for their individual charities."

Each person who completes the course will receive a certificate. The course the old Tockholes Road, past the Royal Arms, through the Roddlesworth plantation, up to Slipper Lowe Brow, past Lyons Den, up to the Tower and down past the Sunnyhurst Hotel.

Everyone is encouraged to get sponsors for the event and the entrance fee this year will again be £2 for adults and £1 for children.

Mr Riley said: "Darwen Rotary takes away all the headaches of staging such an event especially for smaller organisations or single entrants.

"We take care of all the planning and organisation including marshalling the route.

"All entrants have to do is find sponsors and nominate their chosen charities.

"If they do not wish to raise money on behalf of a specific cause and just wish to take part for fun, they simply turn up on the day and pay their fee.

"All money raised will be distributed to local charities on their behalf."

Anyone interested in taking part should contact Mr Riley on 01254 704844 or 07754 220009.