YOUNGSTERS and businesses are gathering sponsors for the Magic Eye walks in a bid to make the event one of the best-ever.

Brierfield Army Cadet Force are looking forward to the event on October 13 and filling in forms like 'wildfire'.

Close to 800 people across East Lancashire have pledged their support to one of six 10-mile walks in aid of the appeal. And 30 workers from the Kingfisher Business Centre are joining force to support the Lancashire Evening Telegraph appeal to raise £200,000 for an endoscopic ultrasound scanner. But organisers still need more volunteers.

Deborah Cassidy, organising 20 cadets, said: "This is the first time they have walked in aid of a cancer appeal and are really excited. They are so keen to do something to help. We have also set our own in-house competition to see who can raise the most money and they will get a prize."

On the Hyndburn walk, eight employees from The Elms nursery in Rear Lower Fold in Great Harwood are all set to take up the trail.

Organiser Elizabeth Bradshaw said: "I think it is about going out there and doing something to help people and get a scanner."

Sheila Shaw, appeal co-ordinator, said: "There has been a tremendous amount of support from all walks of life and sectors of East Lancashire but this walk has the potential to be one of the biggest and best of the year."

Sponsorship forms and registration is available by calling the hotline on 01254 293634, manned from 10am-4pm Monday to Friday.