WOMEN from all over North Devon will once again descend upon the Tarka Trail en masse for the moonlit sponsored walk known as Nightwalk.

And with the fourth year expected to be bigger and better than ever on May 22 this year, hundreds of ladies will be putting their best foot forward in conjunction with the

North Devon Journal

, to support the North Devon Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Gerard Fawcitt, of the fund raising team at North Devon Hospice, said: "Last year nearly 1500 women took part in another memorable Nightwalk on a perfect night.

"Now in its fourth year, it would be great to see 2,000 Nightwalkers or more sign up. There's a walk for everyone of all ages — whether you are 16 or 86 or somewhere in between."

Our three butterflies, pictured above, are just some of the people who will be donning their walking boots to raise funds for the cause.

Dee Blackwell, Ann Green and Keely Dempsey have already signed up to this years event — and are even embracing the fancy dress element to this year's fundraiser.

Keely, who is a clinical nurse specialist at the hospice, said: "We have done Nightwalk for the past three years — and it is so much fun.

"This year we are dressing as butterflies which are often seen placed around the hospice.

"Butterflies represent beauty and dignity — something which is very important at the hospice."

Ann, who is a nurse in Ilfracombe, said: "We keep doing the walk because we have such a good time.

"We've still got months to wait but are already getting our outfits prepared!"

Suzie Warren, from Macmillan, said fancy dress was optional but helped to maintain the "fun" in fundraising.

Walkers can chose to travel between Braunton and Barnstaple or vice versa at five and a half miles.

Participants can also walk from Bideford to Barnstaple or Barnstaple to Bideford at 11 miles, as well as the 16 and a half mile route between Braunton and Bideford or Bideford to Braunton.

Gerard said: "Nightwalk is a very important fundraising event for two vital charities, whether you're walking in memory of a loved one or for the challenge of completing the Nightwalk."

The event is open to all women aged 16 and over.

● Phone 01271 347213 or 01271 347204 for a registration form or visit our website at www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk/nightwalk to download one.