A Cross Hills family will trek for charity as a team thanks to the re-launch of a popular event which was formerly for women walkers only.

For the past four years the Birch family, who live in Clayton Hall Road, has been involved in the Sue Ryder Manorlands midnight walks, helping raise hundreds of pounds for the hospice.

Father Andrew Birch and his 17-year-old son Adam made up for the fact that they could not take part in the actual walking by serving as volunteer marshals instead.

But a new Sue Ryder Manorlands walk, called the Starlight Hike, will be open to men. This will take place on Saturday September 8, starting from Haworth Park at 11pm.

Andrew said: “We have loved our involvement with Sue Ryder Midnight walks, but have never been able to walk all together as a family.

“When we heard the news that men could now take part we were all really excited, especially with the new improved route.”

The previous midnight walks have taken place in Bingley and Ilkley, attracting up to 800 participants.

Event organiser Richard Martin said: “We’re aiming to get more than 1,000 people to participate in the Starlight Hike. We have moved the starting venue to Haworth, which enables us to create a very scenic and pleasant walk for both men and women.

“The route will include walking through the grounds of Manorlands which will be lit by candles.

“On completion the participants can enjoy a complementary bacon sandwich and celebrate walking 10km for such a good cause.”

Jodie Shepherd, fundraising manager at Manorlands, said: “The Starlight Hike is going to be one of the most exciting events of the 2012 calendar.

“The hospice costs over £2.2 million a year to run and we're aiming to raise at least £100,000 through the Starlight Hike which will help us continue to provide care to people with life-threatening illnesses.”

People wanting more information can visit starlighthike.org or call the Manorlands fundraising office on (01535) 640430.