GETTING ready to put their best feet forward for our Hospice 2000 Appeal are St Leonard's supporters Dennis and Muriel Foster.

They will be the leaders of the hospice's special eight-mile Family Adventure Walk at Castle Howard for the third year, when the walk takes place on Sunday, June 18.

The walk is suitable for all ages, from children to grandparents, and follows bridleways and easy paths, with items of interest along the way.

The walk begins at 10.30am, with check-in at Welburn Village Hall at 10am. This year's walk will follow a slightly different route from previous years, to add variety for those who walk it regularly.

Muriel said: "We have families from a wide area, and at least one example of three generations using it as a day out when they can come from different places to see each other."

More than 15 years ago Dennis Foster led the first of the fundraising walks - on the White Rose Way - to raise money to build St Leonard's Hospice.

He and Muriel have supported the hospice ever since, both on the walks and in other ways.

Their daughter, Sandra, and her husband, Mike, still act as support for the more difficult St Leonard's Challenge Walk around Haworth, which took place this year on May 6.

It costs just £2 for an adult and £1 for a child to join the Family Adventure Walk at Castle Howard. Everyone who takes part is encouraged to get themselves sponsored. Entry forms, sponsor forms and more information can be obtained from the hospice fundraising centre on 01904 781576.

Since the Challenge and Family Adventure Walks began the walkers have raised more than £73,000 for the hospice.