PEOPLE are being encouraged to 'man up' and join this year's Midnight Memories Walk.

The event in aid of Bolton Hospice is celebrating its 11th anniversary and organisers are hoping more men will take part on Saturday, June 17.

The walk was originally only open to women, but the hospice decided to include men in 2011.

Although some men have taken part since then, organisers would like to urge more to join them as they are still outnumbered by women.

Around 2,000 people are expected to take part in this year's eight-mile walk which starts in Victoria Square and goes along Chorley New Road past the hospice before finishing back in the town centre.

Hospice events manager Maria Passarello said: "There are many reasons to take part and it gives everyone the opportunity to show their support for the hospice."

Among the men who will be walking this year is Stephen Baxendale, whose father died at the hospice. His mother also spent time at the hospice before her death a year ago.

John Wolfe is also taking part in memory of his wife’s aunty who died at the hospice last year.

Joshua Baker, aged nine, is walking for his uncle, who died of cancer, while Andrew Croasdale is walking in memory of Katie Thornton. Andrew and his family are keen supporters of the hospice.

Mrs Passarello said: "We are thrilled that our walk is still well supported and raising significant funds for the hospice.

"We are hoping for this to continue and urge everyone to take part in this event that gives you the opportunity to remember loved ones and to walk for your own special reason."

Anyone interested can complete a registration form online at boltonhospice.org.uk/event/hospice-events/midnight-memories-walk.