GOOD causes in the North-East will benefit from a massive sponsored walk in the region this weekend.

Up to 600 people are expected at the annual event by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK, in Hartlepool.

Money raised from the 12-mile walk will be split between Hartlepool and District Hospice, Butterwick Children's Hospice, in Stockton, Hartlepool Mayor's Charity and Save the Children.

Last year, when the walk was held in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, £50,000 was raised, but organisers hope to top that on Sunday.

Hartlepool was chosen this year to promote the building of a £1m mosque, which is expected to be opened in November in the Dyke House area of town.

Spokesman Fazal Omer said: "People are coming from all over. We have coaches from London, Manchester, the Midlands and Bradford."

The walk starts at Borough Hall, on the Headland, at 10am. A meal and presentation ceremony will be held in Borough Hall at 3.30pm.