WALKERS are being invited to step out across Morecambe Bay's famous sands for a local cancer charity this June.

This year will be Rosemere Cancer Foundation's tenth Cross Bay Walk to raise money to bring world-class cancer treatment for patients across south Cumbria and Lancashire.

During the past decade, the yearly eight-mile, dog-friendly trek from Arnside to Kents Bank has raised £70,000 for the charity. There will be 350 places available on Saturday, June 9, and people are being invited to apply by calling 01772-522913 or visiting www.rosemere.org.uk - places cost £10 per person.

Sponsoring the 2018 event is construction company Eric Wright Group. Applethwaite Homes, the firm's housing division, is building 16 new homes at Blenkett View, Allithwaite, close to the walk's finish at Kents Bank.

"This is an iconic walk led by Queen’s Guide Cedric Robinson MBE that makes for a great day out," said Cathy Skidmore, Rosemere's trust and corporate fundraising manager. "If you have never done it before, I urge you to join us. You’ll not be disappointed.

"This year, we’re immensely grateful to Eric Wright Group for sponsoring the walk. Its sponsorship means our staging costs are covered so every penny from walk entry fees and any money raised by individual walkers will go directly to funding projects to benefit local cancer patients."

Rosemere has recently brought the most advanced robotic surgical system on the market to the Rosemere Cancer Centre in Preston, where patients from south Cumbria and Lancashire are treated. It makes the centre the first in whole of the North of England - and only one of three in the entire country - to have such a piece of kit.

Jeremy Hartley, managing director of Eric Wright Group, said: "As a local company, we are well aware of Rosemere Cancer Centre at which a number of our staff and family members have been treated. It is our pleasure to support Rosemere Cancer Foundation and the work it does to support not only the centre but all our region’s hospital cancer units and cancer patients.”

The company is also sponsoring Rosemere's Walk in the Dark Saturday, April 28. This 11-mile night-time route along the A6 road to Preston's Rosemere Cancer Centre will see finishers rewarded with hot tea and bacon buns. Since it began a decade ago, the walk has raised almost £250,000. Entry is £10 or free for under-12s - see www.rosemere.org.uk

Other walks this year include a five-mile, family fun Walk the Lights along Blackpool Promenade’s Illuminations on October 5; and an expedition to the Great Wall of China Trek from October 17 to 25.