Nearly a thousand walkers will march their way to a bumper result for charity at the second Oxford Moonlight Stroll on Saturday night.

The Sobell House Hospice Charity has signed up 960 people to the night-time stroll through some of the city's most picturesque sights.

It is aiming to hit a grand total of £100,000 through sponsorship for the nine mile walk - about a tenth of its annual running costs.

Head of fundraising Kath Morris said: "We have only got about 40 places to go to hit 1,000. We would really like to hit £100,000. It would be amazing if we could do that."

Last year's stroll raised £80,000 which was split between Help an Oxfordshire Child and Sobell House.

This year all of the proceeds will go to the hospice, which treats up to 20 people with terminal illnesses at a time from its Churchill Hospital base in Headington.

Ms Morris said: "£100,000 could pay for a year's catering for the patients. It would just be a huge amount towards keeping the services going."

The walk will begin and end at the playing fields of St Edward's School in Woodstock Road.

Those taking part will get to enjoy sights including Radcliffe Square, Magdalen Bridge and Port Meadow on route.

Last year, torrential rain failed to dampen the spirits of people who took part in the walk.

Ms Morris said: "We have got a lot of people that did it last year and want to do it again even though it was raining. They got soaked.

"It is amazing they want to do it again. In fairness to all of them it was a hard slog."

This year illusionists, clowns, morris dancers and even a ghost walker will provide entertainment to the crowds.

Anybody wanting to take up one of the remaining 40 places can contact the charity on 01865 857 007.

Entry costs £12, which includes a T-shirt and a bacon sandwich prepared by airmen from RAF Benson.

For more information go to oxfordmoonlightstroll.org Registration is from 8.30pm at the playing field, and the walk starts at 10.30pm.