A MIDNIGHT walk in aid of Adderbury's Katharine House Hospice will go ahead again this year after the 2007 inaugural event raised £70,000.

The 2008 walk will take place on Saturday, June 28, starting from Banbury Rugby Club's ground at Bodicote Park.

Sarah Bidwell, spokeswoman for the hospice, said: "We are really excited about our second major fundraising event - another mid-summer midnight walk.

"Last year, thanks to a fantastic community effort, with 625 walkers registered and over 100 volunteers helping, we raised £70,000 to fund ongoing nursing care at the hospice."

This year the walk will be slightly longer at 12.5 miles, with Woodgreen Community Centre in Banbury being the half-way point where walkers will be able to rest, re-register, and enjoy a drink and light snack.

The challenge is open to adults, teenagers, and children who must be aged 12 and over and accompanied by an adult.

There will also be an option to join later and walk 5.5 miles instead of the full distance, which 40 people chose to do last year.

The walk will follow a well-lit and well-marshalled route, with plenty of water stops including a drinking bowl at each stop for accompanying dogs.

The route will take in Bankside, Windsor Street, Spiceball Park, Castle Street, Southam Road, Dukes Meadow Drive, Warwick Road, and Orchard Way to Woodgreen.

The homeward leg will be The Fairway, Prescott Avenue, Bretch Hill, Woodgreen Avenue, Broughton Road, Browning Road, Bloxham Road, Easington Road, and back to Bodicote Park.

Registration for each walker will be £15 and competitors are being urged to raise a minimum of £50 sponsorship.

Sue Lane, fundraising co-ordinator for the hospice, said: "We are sure the 2008 walk will be just as successful as last year. Other hospices which have repeated a midnight walk have all reported higher numbers in the second year.

"It will be a real community event with a great atmosphere, and we hope to raise significant funds again."

Application forms are available from Sarah Bidwell on 01295 812161.

Closing date for entries is May 22.