MARKET traders will be putting their best foot forward for an annual walk in aid of charity.

A team of women from Durham Market will be taking part in the Midnight Walk on June 21, the annual event which raises money for St Cuthbert’s Hospice in the city.

Danielle Wilson, who works at Teesdale Game and Poultry in the market, is taking part after the hospice cared for her grandfather Joe Danby.

She said: “He suffered with cancer and he was taken in by St Cuthbert’s. He went in for respite care and he used to look forward to it. He said it was great”.

Stallholder Helen Stephenson, who runs Helen’s Hosiery, said: “I think it’s going to just be a giggle for us but then you think again and it’s the chance to make a difference. St Cuthbert’s Hospice is a really good cause.”

Midnight Walk co-ordinator at St Cuthbert’s, Lily Axworthy, said: “The market stallholders’ and workers’ efforts are truly appreciated.

“We always have tremendous support from them. Many are walking in memory of a loved one and they also know it will be fun to do it with friends and family.

“This is the seventh year and once again it is proving incredibly successful with hundreds of women and girls signing up.”

Walkers can complete either a three-mile or sic-mile circuit of the Aykley Heads course.

The evening will be hosted by Lisa Shaw, of Heart Radio and will include live entertainment, food and refreshment stalls and inspirational speeches by women whose loved ones have been cared for at St Cuthbert’s.