AN ANNUAL church walk around Prestwich will take place to raise awareness about the plight of refugees.

Participants in The Five Churches Walk will take on an 11-mile country route around the town's green paths in order to raise money for various causes.

Now in its eighth year, the walk on Saturday, April 28, will see visitors raise funds for St Gabriel's Church as well as for other causes.

This year, the walk is also supporting a national campaign, Share the Journey, to raise awareness of the needs of refugees and migrants.

Revd Canon Steve Williams, who is Priest in Charge at St Gabriel's, said: "We are hoping to raise as much money as we can while enjoying a walk and time together.

"We visit the five Church of England churches in the heart of Prestwich. We stop off at each to enjoy a cup of tea and some light refreshments so we put on the calories as well as burning them.

"Everyone is welcoming to join us, and people can participate in as much or as little of the walk as they like."

The group will set off from St Gabriel's and head towards St Hilda's, St George's, Simister, St Margaret's and St Mary's.

The route takes in Philips Park, Prestwich Clough, Heaton Park as well as the fields between Heywood Old Road and Nutt Lane.

To register, contact Rev Steve Williams on 07757 411377 or email saintgabriel@talktalk.net.