WOODSTOCK’S mayor has urged people to put on their walking boots to support the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

Peter Jay has launched the annual Blenheim Walk in aid of the children’s charity.

The event, which will take place in the grounds of Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, on Saturday, April 24, aims to raise thousands of pounds for the charity’s Child’s Voice appeal.

More than 200 people took part last year and, so far, £40,000 has been raised for the NSPCC.

Mr Jay said: “I’m very proud to be supporting the NSPCC’s Blenheim Walk. It is a great way, for those with more willpower than me, to keep up that New Year fitness resolution and an even better way for Oxfordshire to raise funds for a great cause. I’d encourage everyone to sign up.”

The walk will start and end at the garden centre and butterfly house at the palace and there are three distances to choose from – two miles, four-and-a-half miles or nine miles.

All routes are circular and are suitable for wheelchairs and buggies, and dogs can be walked on a lead.

Walkers can start anytime between 9.30am and 11.30am.

Entry for the walk costs £2.50, with participants asked to raise money through sponsorship.

Gwen Pearson, NSPCC regional head fundraiser, said: “This event has always been very popular due to the beautiful grounds of Blenheim Palace that it takes place in.

“Open to people of all levels of fitness, it really is an event that anyone can take part in.

“As ever we are incredibly grateful to His Grace the Duke of Marlborough for allowing us to use Blenheim Palace grounds for the event, which is open to young and old alike.”

The NSPCC’s Child’s Voice appeal is a drive to raise £50m to maintain and increase helplines, text and online counselling services.

jrivett@oxfordmail.co.uk For more information about the Blenheim Walk or for an entry form, call the NSPCC on 01908 328 060, email eastappeals@nspcc.org.uk Alternatively, visit nspcc.org.uk/getinvolved and click on events