VILLAGE Girl Guides and Rangers are again putting their best foot forward to raise money for Manorlands.

The Cross Hills youngsters are among those taking part in this year’s Starlight Hike.

A contingent from the group completed the 10km walk last year.

Group member Sam Cramby said: “Part of being a Girl Guide is about helping others.

“Our promise includes ‘to serve our Queen and our community’ and we have chosen to support Manorlands.

“Last year, some of our new Guides and Rangers made their promise on the walk, which was very special for them.”

The hike, this year being held on Saturday, September 29, gives participants the chance to remember loved ones whilst supporting the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

The event will again feature the Starlight Express, courtesy of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.

And Keighley-based Stirk Lambert and Co Accountants is repeating its backing as main sponsor.

The evening will start at Oxenhope Station, where walkers will be able to take part in a warm-up and enjoy entertainment, including stalls and music.

They will then board the Starlight Express to Oakworth, where the walk itself begins.

Walkers will follow a marshalled route, which includes the hospice grounds.

Hayley Ibbotson, senior community fundraiser at Manorlands, said the hike this year would retain many elements but that there were also some changes.

She added: “We are looking forward to welcoming people on the night.

“There is a real sense of camaraderie between all the walkers, and including the hospice on the route has become a really important element on the night that we get great feedback on. We’ve tried to improve on this even more for this year’s walk to make it extra special for everyone.”

Tickets for the event can be obtained at sueryder.org/starlighthike/manorlands.

For further information, e-mail Hayley.ibbotson@suerydercare.org or call 01535 640431.

Manorlands supports patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families at the hospice and in the community, across an area covering Craven, Airedale and Wharfedale as well as parts of Bradford.

All services are free to patients and their loved ones, but it costs £9,000 a day to keep the hospice doors open.

Only a small part of the cost is covered by statutory funds.