Monmouthshire residents are being urged to sign up for a charity walk across the old Severn Bridge and back to help raise funds for local people living with cancer.

The sponsored walk on Sunday, July 1 is being organised by Macmillan Cancer Support who have recently funded a new cancer support service based at Chepstow library.

Erica Sheppard, Macmillan Monmouthshire Cancer Support and Information Coordinator offers face to face support, help and advice for local resident, not just patients, but their families, friends and colleagues, who may have questions about cancer.

Ms Sheppard has an information pod based in Chepstow library, as well as libraries in Abergavenny, Caldicot and Monmouth.

She said: "IÕm really impressed how Macmillan have managed to pull so many people and local groups together to take part in this exciting event , it shows just how much people care and want to help raise money to support people affected by cancer."

Macmillan Cancer Support hopes at least 100 people across the area will sign up to take part in the Chepstow Walk. The event will set off at 11am from Office Space Ltd car park near Homebase, at the entrance to the bridge footpath. At the same time a team of walkers will leave the English side with the aim that both teams will pass each other on the bridge and bridge the gap between our two nations, in a fight to fund further services.

The charity also have the support of SARA, (Severn Area Rescue Association) based beneath the Severn bridge. Although they too are a charity, they have offered their support to help promote and raise awareness of the walk, and some SARA members will be taking part as well as volunteering on the day.

Paula Langston, fundraising manager for Chepstow said "We are really excited to launch this new walking event this year, and hope that it encourages local residents to sign up to take part and show their support for the charity.

"Erica is a fantastic addition to Macmillan and works incredibly hard to support local people with all aspects of cancer. We are really looking forward to a fun day out, and hopefully we can sign up more walkers this side of the bridge."

If you are interested go to www.macmillan.org.uk/Fundraising/Walkingevents and register today. Cost is £10 for adults, including a free t-shirt and goody bag for taking part.