The annual Sue Ryder Care midnight walk will be taking place in May and local ladies are being urged to take part.

This year's walk will kick off with a new route and will start at King Edward VII and Queen Mary School in Lytham.

The 10-mile walk will take in Fairhaven Lake, the White Church, the windmill and the Les Dawson statue.

Last year, more than 700 walkers raised £62,000 and Sue Ryder Care hopes to beat that total in 2010.

Money raised will help Sue Ryder Care in the North West to continue to provide help for people with challenging end of life and long-term conditions, such as cancer, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Huntington's and Parkinson's disease and dementia.

Emma Siddle, event organiser, said: "The Lytham St Annes Midnight Walk will be a fantastic night out with the girls, this is the third year the walk will be taking place in the area – this time with a new location and route, so the ladies who have walked before will enjoy something a little bit different.

"All money raised will go directly to Sue Ryder Care to give compassionate care and support to people living with complex conditions such as MS, stroke and brain injuries."

Tracy Dawson, widow of legendary comic Les and Sue Ryder Care ambassador, is backing the event for the third time.

She said: "2010 will be the third year I have been involved with the Sue Ryder Care midnight walk and it's a wonderful way of raising money for an excellent cause and an opportunity to walk in memory of those we love."

Until February 14, the charity is offering an early bird registration fee of £12.

After that it will be £15.

Registration for the walk – which takes place at midnight on Saturday, May 15 – will include a T-shirt, sponsorship form and training tips, refreshments, a medal and a goodie bag.

Anyone who does not feel up to walking 10 miles, but wants to help, can volunteer to support the night – in roles such as marshalling, registering, handout goody bags and refreshments and administrative support.

For more details, send an e-mail to emma.siddle@suerydercare.org, visit www.suerydercare.org/midnightwalks or call (01772) 698145.