PEOPLE are being encouraged to walk, cycle, scoot or skate along the promenade today in a sponsored event for Christian Aid Week.

Participants will be able to start between 8.30am and 11.30am at any of the checkpoints along the seafront and finish by 3.30pm.

The checkpoints are located at Shore Road, Branksome Chine, Bournemouth Pier, Boscombe Pier and Southbourne.

This year’s Christian Aid Week, which starts tomorrow and runs until Saturday, aims to highlight the plight of the more than 40 million people displaced around the world, but who remain within their own countries.

Last year people in Dorset raised £78,963 through house to house collections, picnics, sponsored walks and Big Brekkies and other events hosted by churches and local groups.

Fiona Daborn, Christian Aid’s regional coordinator for Dorset, said: “I’m so pleased there are so many opportunities for the people of Dorset to get involved and make a difference.

“People displaced within their own countries are rarely at the forefront of the news, but Christian Aid hasn’t forgotten them. We believe everyone counts, and we will continue to fight alongside them for justice.

Kathy May, of the Bournemouth Christian Aid group, said: “Everyone is warmly invited to take part and help raise money to support our global neighbours in need, who are suffering through no fault of their own - together we can tackle poverty and ensure everyone has a life before death.

For a sponsor pack contact your church office or Christian Aid rep in Bournemouth & Poole or visit https://www.christianaid.org.uk/contactus/office/southampton