A CHARITY in Craven Arms is organising a mass participation challenge taking in some of the most beautiful parts of south Shropshire.

Run as a charity fund-raising event by local charity, Grow Cook Learn, the Shropshire Way 80K is a new mass participation challenge walk taking in some of the finest parts of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The event takes place over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday March 17 and 18.

It takes in a route of 80km (50 miles) and the aim is for competitors to complete the circuit in less than 24 hours.

Starting and finishing at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre in Craven Arms, the home of Grow Cook Learn, the route will take walkers through the very best of Shropshire’s amazing, undiscovered landscape and some of its hidden market towns.

Along the way, as competitors pass through check points, they will be able to sample some of the wonderful local produce.

The charity is committed to connecting people to the food, history and landscape of the Shropshire Hills so this event is a way of achieving this whilst raising much needed funds for the charity to continue its work.

Volunteers will be needed for manning checkpoints as well as assisting at competitor registration and generally helping the staff and event organisers.

From driving equipment from the Centre to checkpoints to helping with registration and anything in between, any help would be much appreciated.

“We are hugely proud to launch this event which will enable us to continue with our charitable mission whilst helping to position the Discovery Centre as a base for walking in the Shropshire Hills,” said Grant Wilson, manager of the Discovery Centre and organiser of the event.

“In order for us to run this event successfully, we need a dedicated team of volunteers to help us, so if you or a friend or family member would like to help either at registration, as a driver or in one of our checkpoints, then we would love to hear from you.

“We are offering free entry to next year’s event or a free family membership as a thank you to anyone who helps us this year.”

For more information about volunteering and contact the Centre on 01588676060.