As one thousand walkers prepare to climb Pendle Hill, reporter Simon Thacker explains why he’ll be digging out his walking boots and joining them.

One week from now, 1,000 people will troop up Pendle Hill to raise cash for charity - and I will be one of them.

The sponsored climb on June 11 is being organised by the Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team to raise money for its new base.

The team is currently in Clegg Street, Haslingden but is looking to move into a larger base near Haslingden's Tesco store.

The walk will raise some of the £500,000 needed for the move and ties-in with the recently-launched Buy a Brick campaign.

The idea is to get at least 1,000 on top of the hill - hopefully with some dressing up as witches.

The hill itself rises to a daunting 557m at its highest - so what makes me want to climb it?

Last time I went up was on a blistering hot sunny day in July, armed with a full bottle of water and an inadequate pair of trainers.

I went up the steepest path and the last few hundred yards saw me crawling rather than walking.

At the end, I staggered to the top and flopped down in the grass, looking like a cross between an over-baked lobster and a beached whale.

To add to my humiliation, a party of school children trooped past and one little girl asked "Do you think that man's all right?"

Despite the hill being right on my doorstep and boasting some of the most spectacular views you'll ever see - I have not been up since.

Well, it's time for all that to change, especially as it means supporting a fantastic cause which helps thousands of people every year.

My girlfriend is coming with me so I'll have some company on the day.

In the meantime, It's time to dig out those barely-used walking boots which should be a lot better than those worn-out old trainers.

I'll also be getting some practice walks in so I won’t disgrace myself.

Luckily for us, it’s not a race, just a chance to meet some friendly people and enjoy a challenging, but fun experience.

Let’s hope the famous Lancashire weather is kind to us.

So get your forms filled in and join us on the day when we'll be heading for the heights to support this worthy cause.

If you would like to sponsor my efforts, please visit my page at www.justgiving.com/Simon-Thacker.

The event starts on June 11 at 9am in Barley village at the foot of Pendle Hill.

Dressing as a witch is optional and there is a prize for the best costume on the day.

There will be a live band and DJ at the summit as well as a free commemorative tee-shirt and prize for the best witch costume.

The entry fee is £15 which is returnable if you secure more than £100 in sponsorship.

You can download an entry form at www.rpmrt.org.uk/events.php.

For more details contact Alwyn Hayes on 07957 758327 or e-mail events@rpmrt.org.uk

You can also make donations to the Buy a Brick campaign by sending your cheques to John Parish, Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team, 46 Clegg Street, Haslingden, Rossendale, BB4 5LW.

If you wish, your details will be entered into the Big Build Book which will keep a record of everyone who helped fund the base - please indicate if you wish to be included in this.