WINCHESTER and Chandler's Ford councillors are set to walk 17 miles, as they hope to raise £4,000 for charity.

A group of local Liberal Democrats are planning on walking 17 miles across their constituency on this year's extra "Leap Day" to raise money for struggling charity, Wessex Cancer Trust.

More than 30 councillors have signed up so far to the walk that is set to take place on Wednesday 29 February.

Chandler’s Ford, Councillor Tim Groves said: "As we wanted to give back to the local community, The Wessex Cancer Trust was an ideal choice. They do vital work for the community, have recently launched an emergency appeal and we wanted to help. Sadly, cancer now touches 1 in 2 of us, and it’s surprising just how many people have used the Trust’s incredible services. Certainly, my own family has reasons to really appreciate their support.”

The 17-mile route will start in Alresford, follow the River Itchen, pass through Winchester and end at The Wessex Cancer Trust shop in Chandler’s Ford.

Winchester City Councillor and Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Paula Ferguson said: "Whilst the General Election didn’t go our way, we came really close and much of this was thanks to a massive effort by a lot of people all of whom wanted to make a change. After the result, it was clear that many of these people wanted to do something together to give back to the community, and what better day to do that on than February 29th - the extra day we gain because 2020 is a leap year?"

The Wessex Cancer Trust is a local charity, working in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight, which provides support and services to cancer sufferers and their families both before and after treatment.

As part of the charity walk, the team of councillors have set a fundraising target of £4, 000 and are inviting people to help with their fundraising.

To make a donation, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/wincfldwalk, where all the money will go directly to the Wessex Cancer Trust.