MORE than 200 walkers are expected to take part in a North-East country walk in an attempt to raise about £200,000 for charity.

The gathering at Hardwick Country Park, Sedgefield, County Durham, is one of 61 walks to be held this year by Diabetes UK as part of Walk in the Park fundraising initiative.

The Bishop Auckland Voluntary Group of Diabetes UK will host the country walk between 10.30am and 3pm, on Sunday, June 13.

It is hoped that about £200,000 will be raised from walks held throughout the country and all proceeds will go to diabetes research.

The walks are being supported by pharmaceutical company Aventis.

Duncan Robertson, Northern and Yorkshire regional fundraiser, said: "I am so pleased that so many people are turning out to support our walk.

"Diabetes is serious but we know that a healthy lifestyle, including exercise, can help with diabetes control.''