GAZETTE & HERALD: NINE walkers from Blacklands, near Calne, are preparing for the final leg of their hike from John O'Groats to Lands End.

The party originally started the 950-mile walk in May 2001.

Now they plan to complete the sixth and final phase of their gruelling trek in May.

They will the 205 miles from Severn Beach near Avonmouth to Lands End.

Graham Whitfield of Blacklands Crossroads, said the group, who have an average age of 60 plus, have had to fit the walks around work and ongoing commitments.

He said: "The whole walk was conceived just for the pleasure of those taking part, but many have shown an interest and asked if charity was to benefit.

"With this in mind it has been decided that for the final stage individual members of the group would seek sponsorship," he said.

All the money raised will be split between Young Carers at Home which is based in Devizes, Children of Chernobyl, Bliss, a baby care support group, and Cancer Research.

Each part of the journey has been divided into two days of walking and one day of rest.

The distance covered by the walkers each day varies between 12 and 20 miles depending on the terrain.

The team stay at campsites along the way and are taken to pick up points by drivers each day.

The group will be calling on residents in Blackstone, Calstone and the surrounding area this month to collect sponsorship for the final stage of the trek to Lands End.