THERE has been an 11th hour adjustment to the fine-tuned plans for the Kent Charity Walk 2002 which takes place on Sunday, May 19.

The start/finish location has been moved to the Abbey School in Faversham where there is plenty of room and car parking for the record turnout of some 2,500 people who have so far signed up for the event.

Orginally, it was proposed that the course would be centred around the town's Queen Elizabeth School and people who entered the walk at the beginning will have received maps showing that as the start point.

Although that school could not accommodate vehicles the organisers thought walkers would be able to find plenty of on-street or public car parking.

But they had not anticipated such a response and the levels of traffic it would generate. Now, with another event in the town on the same day they say such parking will be at a premium.

The event starts and ends in Faversham, home of the Shepherd Neame brewery, which is co-sponsoring this seventh annual walk with the Kent Messenger Group. Once again proceeds will be shared between Kent's nine hospices.

The 12-mile circular route takes walkers through some of Kent's most wild and historic countryside and coast with plenty of opportunities to look out for rare birds along the way.

Marshalls will be on hand to ensure safety, there will be first aid back-up from St John Ambulance officials and plenty of water at passport stamping stations. For the first time there is a shorter four-mile course for little legs orthose not able to cover the full distance.

Entry is £6 adults, £12 for a family of up to two children and just £2 for additional children under 16 years.

Forms and further information can be btained from walk co-ordinator David Cornell, Kent Charity Walk, Lone Barn House, Lenham, Kent ME17 2ES.