THE streets of Evesham will be taken over next Friday night by people fighting to raise funds to eradicate cancer.

The first ever Evesham Twilight Walk in support of Cancer Research UK will see hundreds of people from the Vale walking around the town late at night on Friday, May 16.

It is being called the 10 @ 10 as the event will begin at 10pm and walkers will tackle a 10km walk, with a shorter option of 5km also on offer.

The event is the idea of Paul Baylis, the volunteer event chair for the Cancer Research UK, Relay For Life in Evesham on June 28 and 29, who hopes the Twilight Walk will give people with a little bit less time on their hands the chance to support the charity.

The 38-year-old of Shephards Pool, Evesham, first got involved in fundraising for Cancer Research UK in 2005 after his friend Angela Doxey lost her battle with breast cancer.

He said: "I first got involved back in 2005 when a group of friends got together to form a committee to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

"In 2004 a close friends of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer, the cancer had spread and Angela underwent a Lumpectomy followed by eight months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Sadly, Angela lost her fight due to her breast cancer.

"Angela's love for the outdoors gave her the inspiration for a special event, brining together as many friends and families as possible under canvas to raise money for Cancer Research UK. C is for Camping was born, a weekend of camping and fun. The event raised over £6,000.

"Not long after this I was once again made aware of the devastation cancer brings when it hit my family.

"I wanted to do more for Cancer Research UK and first joined Relay For Life Evesham as team member five years ago, and for the last three years have been the event chair.

"Last year Relay For Life raised over £87,000 and our total now stands and a breathtaking £340,000. This year we are hoping to raise £100,000."

Mr Baylis is now calling on people to take part in the Relay For Life and the 10 @ 10 Twilight Walk.

To get involved visit eveshamrelay.org.uk or eveshamtwilightwalk.co.uk, which costs just £5 to enter with those who raise more than £50 receiving a special edition Twilight Walk T-Shirt.