Television presenter Wesley Smith has urged people to dust down their walking shoes to take part in a fundraising walk for a pioneering cancer centre in Oxford.

The event, which will be led by Mr Smith, is in aid of the £109m facility due to open at the Churchill Hospital site in Headington by the end of the year.

The ITV Thames Valley News presenter is event patron for the three-mile sponsored walk through the city's University Parks.

The walk, on Sunday, October 26, is open to all ages and abilities and takes place on the day that the clocks go back.

Mr Smith said: "I’m delighted to do what I can to support the cancer centre — what a great incentive to use that extra hour on the day the clocks go back."

The presenter, a longtime supporter of Oxford hospitals, has also recorded adverts to be aired on Jack FM and Oxford's 107.9 FM, which call for support for the event.

Ian Walker, manager of the stations, said: "The radio stations are proud to be supporting the walk and the cancer centre and look forward to taking part on the day.

"We hope everyone will enjoy the ads and be motivated to sign up for the walk."

Graham Brogden, head of community fundraising for the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Charitable Funds, said: "In such a competitive world, it's great to see media organisations working together to support the community."

The walk is for all the family and all abilities. Entry costs £7.50 in advance for adults and children under 16 walk for free.

Walkers are asked to try to raise at least £50 in sponsorship money.

The Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Trust is investing £109m to create the 217-bed purpose-built centre on the Churchill Hospital site.

Recently, Oxfordshire County Council asked Environment Secretary Hilary Benn to intervene in a row over the rerouting of footpaths on the hospital site.

It was feared the opening of the building could be delayed because the project cannot be approved by the council until the problem is solved.

Trust bosses insist the centre will open before the end of the year.

A fundraising campaign has been launched to raise £2m to provide additional equipment beyond the limited NHS budget. Just over £1m has been raised so far.

The money will be used to fund computer integrated theatres, which enable surgeons to perform more keyhole surgery.

The campaign is also raising money to landscape garden terraces and furnish day rooms.

Anyone interested in taking part in the walk should call 01865 743443 or visit cancercentreoxon.nhs.uk