TOWN HALL staff are set complete a 12-mile walk in memory a colleague who died of a brain tumour.

More than £1,500 has already been raised by Blackburn with Darwen Council following the death of Martin Etherington in July.

Now colleagues have organised a charity walk to raise money for three charities that were close to his heart.

Martin, 40, of Willow Trees Drive, Lammack, was chairman of governors at Broadfield Special School, Oswaldtwistle -- where one of his children from a previous marriage is a pupil -- and coached Blackburn football side Lammack Juniors.

Martin had worked for Blackburn with Darwen Council for a decade and was technical projects manager. He died last month after losing a 10-month battle against a brain tumour.

Now colleagues from the office where Martin worked have planned a 12 mile fund-raising walk from Blackburn to the outskirts of Bolton.

The group are due to meet at the Black Bull, Tockholes, and make their way to the Strawbury Duck pub in Entwistle tomorrow.

Martin's partner Vivien Ratcliffe is set to take part and, according to organisers, local companies have come forward to sponsor the event.

Sarah Slater, who worked alongside Martin for six years, said: "The whole department always got together for social gatherings with Martin and this just seemed fitting."

Broadfield Special School, Marie Curie Nurses and the East Lancashire Hospice are set to benefit and Sarah said £1,500 has already been raised.