BOROUGH walkers are being given a last chance to get in shape for the popular Dudley Trail which takes place on Sunday May 3.

The biggest walking event in the borough regularly attracts over 2,000 people and this year's event should prove no exception.

Over 500 people have already signed up this year for a variety of walks ranging from six, nine 12, 18 and a marathon 26 miles.

This year's event, which starts from Dudley Leisure Centre and takes in routes comprising of canal towpaths, disused railway lines and country footpaths, promises to be the best ever.

Organisers have already been staging a series of free warm-up walks, the last of which takes place this Sunday at 11am from the hub at Mary Stevens Park in Stourbridge or at Coseley's Silver Jubilee Park, when both groups will be tackling a ten mile distance.

The Dudley Trail forms the climax to a week's festival of walking which is designed to make borough folk more active.

Deborah Hawkins, Dudley chief officer for health and wellbeing with Dudley Council said: "Research shows that walking is really good for us - it works all of the body, helps us to relax and gives us a chance to appreciate our beautiful green spaces."

Although a huge number of walkers are expected to sign up on the day, organisers are encouraging as many people as possible to enter in advance.

Entry forms are available online at www.dudley.gov.uk/dudleytrail, from Dudley Council's leisure centre and libraries or by calling Himley Hall on 01384 817817.

It costs just £3 to take part in the 26 and 18 mile routes, £2.50 for the 12 and nine mile routes and £1-50 for the six mile route. An additional fee of 50 pence will be charged for entries on the day.

All five routes will have checkpoints strategically placed to ensure the whereabouts of all walkers and everyone who completes the course will receive a certificate of achievement.