AN army of dedicated walkers are preparing for a hike across the Cleveland Hills and the North York Moors in aid of a vital life saving rescue service.

The long-established Boosbeck Station Hotel charity walk for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) will be repeating its annual 18 mile circular walk on Sunday, May 29.

Walkers will leave the Station Hotel on Boosbeck's High Street at 7.30am, and following a route taking in Gribdale, the Captain Cook Monument at Easby, Commondale and Birk Brow, returning back to the start.

Peter Welcome, for the walk committee, said: "This walk is going from strength to strength, and we want to make this the biggest yet. The more walkers we get, the better the reward for the Air Ambulance. It's not just a walk for local villagers. In the past we have welcomed walkers from across Teesside and the North East and North Yorkshire and hope to see them again this year."

Over the years the walk has raised thousands of pounds for the GNAAS and become a firm favourite amongst regulars.

Station Hotel landlady Barbara Holliday said: "I see the walk as one of the highlights of the pub year. Many pub regulars take part, and I am proud of the efforts they put in to see that the walk is a success."

Anyone wanting to take part in the walk should contact Bernie Johns on 01287-653774, Mike Biondi on 01287-651044 or Peter Welcome on 01287-652988.