SWASHBUCKLING solicitors and legal secretaries are preparing the walk the planks of South Park’s bridge over the River Skerne to fill the treasure chests of a Darlington hospice.

A team of would-be buccaneers from Close Thornton Solicitors, Duke Street, will be collecting a bounty of sponsorship for St Teresa’s Hospice after signing up to join this year’s pirate-themed Midnight Walk.

The annual walk will mark its tenth anniversary next month and has so far raised more than £100,000 across the last decade.

Nine members of staff at the solicitors have formed the Close Thornton Trekkers, including their family members, to walk this year’s 2.8-mile route.

They will follow South Park’s paths on Friday, May 19, joined by 11-year-old Katie Gill, whose mother is a marketing consultant for the firm.

Katie’s mother, Margaret Gill, said: “Katie is so excited that the age limit has been dropped to 11 this year so she can take part in the Midnight Walk.

“She loves the pirate theme idea and the whole team is really looking forward to taking part.

“It is such a good idea to get young people involved and for them to understand what the hospice does and how they can help to support it.”

All entrants singing up for the walk are being encouraged to wear their finest pirate swagger for the fundraiser, which will also offer a prize for the best fancy dress costume.

Ms Gill added: “It really is important to support St Teresa’s Hospice as they do such a good job and events like this make you feel like you are doing something to help while having a great time.

“Two of the ladies in our team have taken part in every walk since the event started and others are walking in memory of family members who received care at the hospice.”

Registration for the women-only sponsored walk costs £10, with all entrants asked to try and raise £50 in sponsors for the charity.

Jane Bradshaw, the hospice’s chief executive, said: “The Midnight Walk remains one of my firm favourites as it captures perfectly the poignancy of people walking in memory of their loved ones and the fun of a truly carnival event.”

To register, visit darlingtonhospice.org.uk or call 01325-254321.