GOOD soles will be making tracks to Blackpool's Stanley Park this weekend as a record breaking attempt kicks off.

But this will be no stroll in the park. Dozens of men and women will walk through the night round the Stanley Park athletics track in an attempt to smash the world record for the number of miles walked in 24 hours.

The non-stop event begins at 2pm this Saturday, August 10, and Dick Maxwell, president of Lancashire Walking Club which organised the event, describes it as "a coup for the area".

"It's the biggest event that we have put on. I have been president for ten years and we have been pushing for recognition for Blackpool and the north west, especially as there is already support for the Manchester to Blackpool walk throughout Europe.

"We've got European gold medallists coming -- Don Thompson who won an Olympic gold medal in 1960, and Commonwealth gold medal winner in 1966, Ron Wallwork".

Dick said that competitors are keen to break the world record for the distance walked in 24 hours, which was set by Hew Nielson in 1960. Nielson walked 133 miles 21 yards in 24 hours and his record has stood for 42 years.

The event is open to the public admission free, but the track will be closed to the public during the overnight leg of the walk.