DEMAND to take part in a challenging sponsored zip wire event has exceeded the expectations of event promoters and has left them with a dilemma.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent a sponsored zip wire event is to be staged at Folkestone Racecourse on Saturday, March 24.

The number of people that can take part is limited to 120 people but in the first 10 days of the promotion 80 people have requested event packs. Now Simon Dolby from the promoters Kent Walking Bus Project is appealing for an additional sponsor to come forward so that the numbers involved can be increased to the maximum of 200.

Mr Dolby said: "This thrilling challenge event has clearly caught the imagination of the public and presents us with an excellent opportunity to raise a considerable sum for charity. Ideally we do not want to use a single penny of the sponsorship money raised by participants to cover the cost of the equipment and technical staff running the event and so need a sponsor to cover the costs."

Mr Dolby needs an organisation or benefactor to pay the extra £800 costs. So far Invicta Motors and the County Square shopping centre have both signed up to back the event. The Kent Messenger Group will highlight the backing of the new sponsor over the seven weeks of the promotion to thank them for their support.

The zip wire will be fixed four storeys up to the roof of the main stand at Folkestone Racecourse where the TV cameras are positioned on race days, allowing participants in a safety harness to zip down the 150 yard wire to the racecourse track. This is the first time a sponsored event of this nature has been staged at the racecourse.

To take part our brave participants must raise a minimum of £75 in sponsorship. Proceeds from the event will be divided between the Pilgrims Hospices, which will receive 70 per cent of the funds raised, and the children's road safety charity Kent Walking Bus Project, which will receive 30 per cent of sponsorship raised.

To apply for a free event pack simply go to www.kentwalkingbus.org

The zip wire is being organised on the day by Avalon Adventures which is the professional firm that staged the highly successful abseil at Charter House last year for the Mary Webb Cancer Appeal. As well as having qualified staff, many of whom are former servicemen, the firm has full public liability insurance.

To discuss sponsoring the challenge event contact Mr Dolby on 07989 164 752.