ORGANISERS of the annual Tower Trudge are keeping their fingers crossed for good weather this Sunday.

"If it is pouring down our numbers will be hit," said Bill Lee, an organiser, "I did a practise walk on the route last Saturday and was drenched."

The eight mile walk starts and finishes at the Olde England Kiosk in Sunnyhurst Woods, and takes in Darwen Moors, Tockholes and Bold Venture Park.

The Darwen Rotary Club organises the event so that small groups can raise sponsorship for their chosen charities.

Bill said a lot of interest had been shown in the event and that they were expecting several hundred participants.

People can still turn up on Sunday for the start at 9.30am. Admission cost £2 for adults and £1 for children.