A GROUP of volunteers from Bishop Auckland are preparing to hold a sponsored walk to raise the profile of diabetes.

About 200 walkers are expected to take part in the event, organised by The Bishop Auckland Voluntary Group of Diabetes UK.

They will gather at Hardwick Country Park, Sedgefield, on Sunday, June 13, between 10.30am and 3pm.

Diabetes UK, which is holding 61 walks around the country this year, has raised more than £500,000 since the first event was held in 1999.

This year's target is £200,000, to go towards funding diabetes research projects.

The walks are are supported by pharmaceutical company Aventis.

Duncan Robertson, fund-raiser for the North-East region, said: "I am pleased that so many people are turning out to support our walk."