WALKERS are being urged to dust off their trainers for a sponsored walk in aid of cancer research.

The Stride For Life walk organised for October 20 in Witton Country Park, Blackburn, hopes to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

There are 40 similar10 kilometre walks to be staged across the country as part of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

MP for Cheedle, Patsy Calton, who is backing the walks after suffering a double mastectomy in 1998, today made a personal plea for Blackburn people to support the walk.

"The charity funds 3,000 doctors, scientists and special nurses and it is public support that helps them bring forward better treatments and cures for cancer" she said.

To register for the walk call 0845 6021940 or email strideforlife@cancer.org.uk