RESIDENTS in Cliviger will be pulling on their walking shoes this weekend to take part in the village's annual charity walk, Scarlett's Stride.

It was started six years ago by Eric Wrathall, a member of the Long Distance Walkers' Association, and his wife, Kathryn, of Burnley Road, Cliviger, to raise money for the St John the Divine Church restoration fund.

The walk was named Scarlett's Stride after General Sir James Yorke Scarlett, who led the victorious Heavy Brigade at the battle of Balaclava. General Scarlett lived at Bank Hall in Burnley and is buried in the graveyard at St John's.

Over the years Eric, who also organises the Cliviger Six road race, has raised more than £15,000 for the church and the Cliviger Recreation and Community Association.

He hopes that tomorrow more than 100 walkers and runners will step out to tackle the 12-mile route of Scarlett's Stride and help him add more money to his fund-raising total.

The walk, which will take participants through the countryside around Cliviger, starts from the church, opposite the Ram pub car park, on the A646 Burnley Road, at 10am, for walkers, and 11am for runners. Both groups are asked to check in one hour before their start time.

People of all ages from the community will be taking part in the event, sponsored by Cliviger-based Shanks Landfill, which also sponsors the Cliviger Six road race.

Eric said: "I would like to thank Shanks for their continued sponsorship of Cliviger's two main calendar events. Their sponsorship means we can provide t-shirts and excellent prizes for the Cliviger Six entrants and also make our Scarlett's Stride charity walk a great day out.

"At the end of the day, we will have raised a great deal of money for Cliviger Recreation and Community Association as well as for St John the Divine Restoration Fund and brought lots of people into the community with these family occasions." Marshals will be situated along the route and there will also be regular refreshment points.

A gourmet meal, cooked by ladies from the church, will be provided at the finish.

Entry on the day costs £5, with a family ticket for two adults and two children priced at £13.50.