FANCY dress is very much encouraged at this year's Nightwalk – and three nurses are leading the way by pledging to walk in their pyjamas.

Keely Dempsey, Lesley Calcutt and Vanessa Saunders will take part in the walk in their most comfortable nightwear.

And they want the women of North Devon to join them.

Keely, a community nurse specialist from North Devon Hospice, said: "Nightwalk is always great fun when you dress up.

"Nightwalk is special because nowhere else do you get such a sense of camaraderie and fun.

"The amazing atmosphere generated by many hundreds of women walking together is unforgettable and taking part in fancy dress makes it even more of a giggle."

The sponsored moonlit walk, which this year takes place on Saturday, May 21, is a women-only event along the Tarka Trail.

It raises money for North Devon Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support, two charities which provide care and support to those suffering from the impact of cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

And the atmosphere at the event is always fantastic, whether or not you take part in fancy dress.

Lesley is leader of the Community Palliative Care service, part of the hospice team which provides support at home for the terminally ill, particularly during the night.

She said: "Nightwalk is great fun and a fantastic event, but it also raises essential funds to help care for patients and families.

"Care provided by both North Devon Hospice and Macmillan makes such a difference, and I have seen that first hand throughout my career.

"This will be my third Nightwalk and I'm really excited about doing it in fancy dress.

"I would encourage every lady in the area to get involved because not only will you have a fantastic night, you will also be helping to support two very worthwhile charities."

It is hoped as many as 2,000 women will sign up for this year's Nightwalk, which is North Devon's biggest single charity event.

Early-bird registration is £10 for those who sign up before April 1.

Early-birds will also go into the Journal's special prize draw for one person to win £200 to spend in the supermarket of their choice.

Suzie Warren, a fundraiser for Macmillan and part of the Nightwalk team, said: "We would like to thank the Journal for offering this prize as an incentive to sign up now.

"We are looking forward to another fantastic night with the women of North Devon, so please get in touch now to make sure you are part of it. Whether in fancy dress or not, everybody is welcome."

To enter Nightwalk, visit www.nightwalk.co.uk, call 01271 347224 or 01271 347204, e-mail nightwalk@northdevonhospice.org.uk or fill in the form below.