VOLUNTEERS are needed to complete a peppy party of stewards whose whoops and cheers will spur on hundreds of long-distance walkers.

A 100-strong team of marshals will guide crowds of people clothed in seventies-style fashion for Sobell House's annual Moonlight Stroll.

Fraser Proudfoot, fundraiser at the Headington-based hospice, said: "The marshals really inspire the walkers, showing the way and motivating them. I was a marshal last year and you clap at them and say 'not much further', just giving support. It's a long walk to the end and feet can start to hurt so it's good to cheer them on. It's good fun in a great atmosphere."

He said they had already recruited about 70 people to pull on florescent yellow jackets on Saturday July 16, when a throng of sponsored walkers will troupe beneath stars and city centre streetlights in support of the charity.

This year marks 40 years since Sobell House Hospice, based at the Churchill Hospital, began offering palliative care to terminally ill patients across Oxfordshire.

To mark the achievement it has set the event's theme as 'seventies' and has extended the mystery route to 10 miles, in reflection of the Moonlight Stroll's 10th year.

Mr Proudfoot hoped about 30 more people would raise their hand to help on the night, ahead of the walk which starts at 10.30pm and continues into the early hours of Sunday morning.

He added: "The atmosphere is quite inspirational, people like to walk it and remember their journey through Sobell and fundraise money for our services. People can sign up as stewards with friends so they have someone to chat to."

Marshals can either choose to stand and direct walkers as they pass, or join in at the front or back of the pack.

For information about becoming a volunteer, or joining in for the stroll itself, call 01865 857007 or visit sobellhouse.org.