AN annual walk to support families affected by sudden cardiac death among the young takes place this weekend.

The seventh Cry Durham Riverside Walk takes place on Saturday with supporters following a new eight-kilometre circular route around the city.

The walk includes magnificent views of Durham’s historic cathedral and castle and, for the first time, will take participants through the city centre.

Although online registration has now closed, people can still sign up on the day to take part in the event and raise money for the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young.

Supporter, Steve Percival, one of the organisers of the Durham Riverside Walk from the very start, said: “This event has really gathered support over the past seven years and I was privileged to have been invited to become involved by my good friend Jeff Morland.

“Jeff has been a loyal fundraiser for Cry for many years, following the tragic death of his son, Levon, from a previously undiagnosed heart condition known as Wolff-Parkinson White in 2002.

“He was aged just 22.

“The people of Durham and the North East have always been so supportive in helping us to spread the word about Cry’s important work in the prevention of young sudden cardiac death.”

The event begins at 11am, starting and finishing at Durham Amateur Rowing Club.

Anyone wishing to take part should call in at the boathouse in Green Lane between 9.15am and 10am on Saturday.

Registration on the day costs £15 for adults, but is free of charge for accompanied under 16s.