STAFF and customers at an Oswaldtwistle butcher's shop will be among those taking part in Hyndburn's biggest-ever charity walk on 25 June.

John Whittaker, 51, of Whittaker's Butchers, Union Road, hopes to raise vital cash for the Rosemere Cancer Foundation based at the Royal Preston Hospital, where his wife Pam received treatment for lung cancer.

He said: "So far we have a team of 30 walkers and the response has been absolutely incredible. This is our way of giving something back to the Rosemere Cancer Foundation."

He added that everyone was welcome to join him in his fund-raising efforts and make money for Rosemere.

Helen Yates, fund-raising manager for Macmillan Cancer Support, another of the charities hoping to benefit from the walk, said: "It would be fantastic if people could come and support this event as it should be really worthwhile. We are just looking for as many people as possible to raise some money for us.

"Cancer is touching more and more people, young and old, and one in three of us will be diagnosed with it at some stage in our lives.

"Macmillan Cancer Support does exactly what our name says - supports all people living with cancer from the moment they suspect they have it."

The walk is being organised by Church and Oswaldtwistle Rotary Club with the support of the Observer and aims to raise at least £50,000 for good causes.

The 10-mile walk will be along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal towpath from the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors, to Thompson Park, Burnley. A shorter seven-mile route will also be available.

Fraser Eagle will be providing a coach to ferry walkers back to the Dunkenhalgh on a shuttle service between 1pm and 6pm.

The Rotary Club will charge a £3 entry fee to cover costs but after that all money will go to the walkers' own favourite charities.

Musical entertainment will be provided at the Dunkenhalgh and the Pendle Jazzmen will play at the Inn on the Wharf along the route.

In addition, a number of celebrities are being invited to take part and people may be able to arrange to "walk with a star."

Walkers can start at any time between 9.30am and noon. Dogs are welcome if kept on a lead but the route is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Refreshments will be available along the way and everyone completing the walk will be given a certificate.

For full information and sponsorship forms, ring 243965, e-mail info@rotarycharitywalk.org.uk or visit the website www.rotarycharitywalk.org.uk .