More than 25 staff and retailers from The Mall Blackburn are set to take on a marathon journey to raise money for East Lancashire Hospice.

The team, which includes management, security, housekeeping and customer service staff from The Mall as well as staff from some of the many retailers, will set off from the shopping centre and walk 22 miles to Clitheroe and back on Sunday July 28.

Organised by Ken Shaxon, who is a member of The Mall’s Security team, the event has been months in the planning, with group training sessions taking place at weekends and in the evenings.

East Lancashire Hospice is the shopping centre's nominated charity of the year and staff and retailers are hoping to raise a lot of money to help the hospice with their running costs.

General Manager at The Mall Blackburn, Loraine Jones, said: "We are always proud of the many ways our staff, as well as friends and colleagues from our retailers, help us to raise money for our charity beneficiary, but we are blown away this year.

"It is amazing how so many people have got involved to either take part in the walk, volunteer to be support drivers or provide much needed sustenance for the intrepid explorers.

"I would like to wish them all luck and can’t wait to hear the inevitable funny tales when they return."

To donate money to the team please visit: virginmoneygiving.com/TheMallBlackburncharitywalk