Organisers of the White Horse Challenge charity walking event are appealing for people to enter and for volunteers to be marshals.

The event, on the weekend of July 6 and 7, is in aid of the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and is sponsored by the Gazette & Herald and sister paper The Wiltshire Times. It is in its eighth year and has raised more than £89,000 for the charity.

The route takes in some of the county’s White Horses, including Marlborough, Cherhill, Pewsey and Devizes.

The organisers want to encourage more people to enter as numbers are down compared to this time last year.

Zoe Meaden, of co-organisers Monahans chartered accountants, said: “It’s a great way to get exercise and see Wiltshire’s beautiful countryside. It can be done by individuals, teams of friends or workmates and families.

“The air ambulance relies on donations from the public as it receives no Government funding.”

There is also a need for volunteer marshals.

Mrs Meaden said: “It means occupying a checkpoint for an hour or two to meet walkers, check if they need water top-ups and help with directions. On most of the route you have beautiful views and there is a real sense of camaraderie.”

Looking forward to taking part for the first time are Simon and Cheryl Glover, of Pewsey.

Mr Glover, 44, a director of Aldi supermarket, and his wife, 45, a civil servant, will be doing the two-day challenge of 55 miles.

Mr Glover said: “It’s for a good cause, you never know when you might need the air ambulance.”

As well as the two day challenge, there is a one day challenge of 27.5 miles and teams can split the distance among their members. On July 7 there is also a seven-mile family challenge.

The event is organised by Monahans, Rygor Commer-cials and Rocking Horse Nursery. To take part in the walk or offer help, call Monahans on (01225) 785520.