MANY women are reluctant to walk through Watford after dark, let alone cover 13.1 miles once the clock strikes midnight.

But that is exactly what 1,000 women are expected to do one weekend in June.

The Starlight Walk, sponsored by the Watford Observer, is the brainchild of five volunteers, working to raise money for The Peace Hospice, Watford.

The route - the equivalent distance of a half marathon - has been devised by mother-of-three Linda Topping.

Linda, chairman of the organising committee, said: "It is not a competitive run, it is a walk. It is open to women of all ages and abilities.

"The only limit we have set is that participants must be over 13."

Linda said the committee decided to make the event women-only after seeing the success of similar events in other parts of the county.

"It is about empowerment, and pushing the boundaries," she said.

"Most women would be uncomfortable walking through Watford by themselves after dark. This way, they can do just that in a safe and friendly environment."

Walkers will gather on Saturday, June 16, at The Colosseum for a warm up with staff from the David Lloyd Leisure Centre in Bushey.

Once the clock strikes midnight, they will set off for Bushey Arches, before walking to Watford Fire Station in Rickmansworth Road, Croxley Green, Cassiobury Park and back to the town centre.

Linda said: "Just imagine what it will be like walking through Cassiobury Park at 2.30am on a summer's morning. The atmosphere will be fantastic."

The walk will take between three and five hours depending on fitness levels.

The Horns public house, Watford, and the Coach and Horses and Artichoke public houses in Croxley Green have pledged their support and will apply for special one-off late licences so they can open their doors to walkers.

Linda said: "This event is about local people helping a local charity. They get to see exactly where every penny goes."

Numbers are limited to 1,000 but organisers hope the Starlight Walk will grow in size in years to come.

Tara Shaw, from the hospice, said: "There is so much enthusiasm about this project, many people are keen to get involved.

"We do need more men to get involved to help out on the night as stewards."

Registration is £12 which includes a Starlight Walk T-shirt. Participants are encouraged to raise as much money as they can but there is no minimum total.

Watford Mayor Dorothy Thornhill, patron of the Starlight Walk, said: "I am looking forward to this walk - I was delighted to be asked to be patron, as The Peace Hospice is such an amazing institution and I am proud to be associated with it."