THE Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen has pledged his support to the Magic Eye Scanner and urged people from across East Lancashire to take part.

Councillor Tony Humphrys, clad in hiking boots and waterproofs, will be one of many dignitaries backing six sponsored walks across East Lancashire on October 13.

The walks are set to be a major fundraising event on the road to raising £200,000 for an ultrasound endoscopic scanner which will help diagnosis and treatment of cancer and benefit the whole of East Lancashire.

Coun Humphrys said: "The walk will be a major event and great fun for everybody so I wanted to be supportive."

"It's in aid of the Magic Eye Appeal which is a terrific charity.

"It's a good cause and if it helps the people of East Lancashire that's what we want."

Pubs on the route are also backing the appeal by selling Reebok hats with Magic Eye badges and acting as Stop and Rest Pub Supporters.

The Griffin Inn in Preston Old Road will open its doors to welcome walkers who might need a quick break. Landlord Alan Yates said: "We have already sold several hats and are really looking forward to the day."

Walkers supporting the appeal in Blackburn will start and finish at Blackburn College in Montague Street. The walk goes along St Pauls Street and on to Northgate.

Fundraisers will then take in Barbara Castle Way, Brownhill, and then up to Whinney Lane and Beardwood.

The walk continues past St Silas Church, down Buncer Lane, and along towards Pleasington, crossing the river Darwen, and then back along Preston Old Road.

The Blackburn walk and those being held in Hyndburn, the Ribble Valley, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale are all around 10 miles.

Junior walks are also being mapped out for youngsters and families.

Directions and sponsorship forms are available by calling the walk hotline on 01254 293634, which is manned five days a week from 10am to 4pm.