THERE is less than a week to go until the end of the early-bird entry rate of �10 for the Exmouth Hospiscare Midnight Walk.

THERE is less than a week to go until the end of the early-bird entry rate of �10 for the Exmouth Hospiscare Midnight Walk.

The closing date for the reduced entry rate ends on March 1, when the fee increases to �12 until the end of April when registration closes.

This year's walk is on May 22 and follows a new eight-mile circular route from Exmouth Rugby club around the town.

The organisers expect the new route to be more popular than last year, when 1,200 women took part in the Budleigh Salterton to Exmouth walk.

Hospiscare also needs men and women to volunteer for around three to four hours on the night, to act as marshals along the route and help the organisers at the start and finish.

Organiser Louise Beeken said: "People take part because it's a fun night out with friends, and to raise funds for a good cause - last year walkers raised an incredible �110,000.

"This year there is a new route, so the event starts and ends in Exmouth.

"Walkers won't have to wait for buses and we have extended the registration area to cope with the number of walkers we expect. "There are also extra prizes for the best fancy dress as we have seen some wonderful outfits over the last couple of years."

As in previous years the Exeter Chiefs will provide a party style warm-up, this year accompanied for the first time by Exeter FM who is supporting the event.

Hot snacks and drinks will welcome walkers at the finish, and everyone taking part gets a goodie bag.

The walk will help Hospiscare to continue to care for 1,800 patients with terminal illness and their families in communities across Exeter, Mid and East Devon.

The money raised will fund pain-relieving equipment, specialist community nursing, day care sessions, bereavement services and complementary therapies.

* Register at now at www.womensmidnightwalk.co.uk for the special price of just �10 from now until the end of February.

To register by post, pick up a form at any Hospiscare shop.