AN ANNUAL sponsored walk along Bournemouth seafront to raise money for Royal Bournemouth Hospital's women's health unit takes place on Friday.

The Twilight Walk is being held on June 5 with 1km, 5km and 10km options to participate in starting at 8pm, just before sunset, open to walkers and runners of all ages for the fifth year.

Jamie Reynolds from the NME and Mercury Prize winning band, Klaxons, will be on hand to officially open the event and hand out medals to participants as they cross the finish line. A live DJ will also be onhand to play music all evening to keep people entertained.

Barry Wilson, events and fundraising officer of Bournemouth Hospital Charity, said: "Collectively over 2,000 people have attended the previous Twilight Walks.

"It’s a proven hit within the local community and is always something we look forward to in the charity office.

"It’s a great atmosphere on the evening and the participants always get behind the event to raise sponsorship money for this worthy cause."

Last year over 400 people got their running shoes on to raise over £20,000 to support the new women's health care unit and raise awareness of important issues. The funds also go to ensuring that all the essential provisions and equipment are available in the new unit, which will be part of the hospital's new Jigsaw Building opening this autumn.

The event is being sponsored by Village Hotel, who are rewarding the top fundraiser with an VIP experience including an overnight stay in the hotel with dinner, spa treatments, afternoon tea and leisure club membership for a month.

Registration can be done online or by picking up a registration form from the charity office at Royal Bournemouth Hospital, with places costing £15 per person, which includes a registration pack and t-shirt. Participants can also choose to don fancy dress for the event.

For more information, go to Bournemouthhospitalcharity.org or call 01202 704060.