A TEN-MILE walk under the stars to raise cash for breast cancer patients is returning to Colchester this summer.

Men and women are already being encouraged to sign up to the Starlight Walk, which is taking place on Saturday, June 27.

It is the seventh year the night time walk has taken place.

It starts and ends at Play Golf Colchester, in Bakers Lane, Lexden.

The walk raises money for the Colchester Hospitals Charity to spend on the breast cancer unit.

The route will be via London Road, Stanway, before going to Southway, North Station and Bergholt Road, and will return to the golf club.

It sets off at 7.30pm, although registration on the day is from 5.30pm.

Walkers are being encouraged to wear fancy dress or green and pink – the colours used by the Colchester Hospitals Charity.

Companies are also being encouraged to enter teams and marshals are also needed for the route.

Registration before April 1 costs £10 per person or £13 after that.

Participants will be given a medal for taking part and snacks and water will be provided on the route.

Jacket potatoes will be available at the finish.

The minimum age to take part is 16.

The event has again been organised by Nicky Withycombe and Karen Robertson.

Mrs Withycombe said she hoped men as well as women would take part.

“We are the only walk that encourages men and women and I hope if we can get teams to do it, that will encourage more men to take part. It is always well supported."

Last year's walk raised around £3,000. For more information email starlightwalk@hotmail.

co.uk or call MrsWithycombe on 07754 127017.