HUNDREDS of people will lace up their walking boots and soak up the countryside as they raise cash for good causes.

The Rotary Club of Romsey Test’s annual event, Walk the Test Way will see more than 500 walkers stroll along the River Test this autumn.

Last year, 600 people took part in the annual fundraising walk which has raised hundreds of thousands for charities since it started in 2004.

Among those taking part this year are Rosemary Peacock, 68, CAFOD schools volunteer from Romsey, Martin Ceresa, 64, a second hand book seller from Romsey, and Sister Siobhan Boyle, a Daughter of Wisdom (DW), from the parish of St Swithun Wells.

The trio will take on the 16-mile walk to raise money for the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD).

The money will be used to help some of the world’s poorest people Rosemary said: “I did it last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. I love walking, and to do something I love and raise money at the same time is a bonus. During the walk you keep coming across people walking for all different charities and you have a chat with them and find out what their charity does.

“I'm most looking forward to having a lovely walk with friends and being able to do something for CAFOD which I think is a worthwhile charity.”

There are five walks to choose from, at five, eight, 11, 16 and 25.5 miles.

It costs £11 for adults and £5 for children aged 15 and under. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.

Walkers can donate their sponsorship money to a charity of their choice.

For more information or to sign up, log on to walkthetestway.org.uk.

To sponsor Rosemary, Martin and Sister Siobhan visit: justgiving.com/ testwayCAFOD.