MORE than 600 people will be putting their best foot forward for the biggest annual charity fundraiser in the Test Valley.

And borough mayor Jan Lovell is amongst the fundraisers taking part in Walk the Test Way organised by the Rotary Club of Romsey Test on Sunday, October 12.

She’s looking forward to tackling the 25.5mile route between St Mary Bourne near Andover and Romsey War Memorial Park.

Mrs Lovell and two friends will be raising cash for the Mayoral Appeal Fund, which she said is about “encouraging all our communities to reach their full potential” by supporting and promoting where possible groups and organisations who ask for help.

“Whilst fundraising might be part of the ask, this is not the main objective, which is about helping resilience and sustainability, to enable, local communities to set their own priorities and deliver valuable and relevant services – often for some of our most vulnerable people,” said Mrs Lovell.

Rotary are predicting a record entry.

Spokesman Neill Beasley said: “With just over a week to go, more than 640 have already signed up to raise money for their chosen charity and numbers could swell to well over 700 during the final week.”

He added that would-be walkers are being encouraged to sign up for the Just Giving website in a bid to encourage family, friends and their employers to sponsor them.

Charities also benefit by getting an extra five per cent by participants using the Just Giving website.

People can register to take part on line by going to www.walkthetestway.org.uk.

Free transport will be provided to the five starting points of the event – St Mary Bourne, Wherwell, Stockbridge, Horsebridge or St Andrew’s Church at Mottisfont. Everyone taking part will be required to report to organisers at the Crosfield Hall before starting the fundraiser.

To sponsor the mayor visit justgiving. com/jan-lovell.