Organisers are urging supporters to book in now to join the annual KM Shepherd Neame Charity Walk on Sunday, May 18.

Last week soldiers checked out the course and checkpoints on the 11-mile route that will start and finish at Charing point-to-point racecourse beside the A20.

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Again the bulk of the sponsorship money that walkers raise will be divided between the hospices of Kent that serve patients with terminal illness.

Staunch

Last year 3,500 walked and raised £83,000 at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park.

This year the organisers are hoping to top that but so far the number of entries is down.

In recognition of the staunch Army support in stewarding the event over the years it has been agreed that £1,000 will be donated to the Help the Heroes Fund.

Walkers can set off anytime between 8am and 10am and the walk will take them on a trek through woods and parkland, lanes and along part of the Pilgrims Way on the Downs.

Three checkpoints will operate at the Harrow Inn in Warren Street, The Plough at Stalisfield, and near Otterden Place.

Entry fee is £7, or £14 for a family group (two adults and two children).

As part of the spectacular day all entrants will receive bacon rolls, coffee and tea on arrival. There will be stops en-route at two pubs and live entertainment at the end.