STAFF at a hospice are celebrating after receiving a record number of sign-ups for their biggest annual event.

Nearly 300 people will be taking part in Naomi House & Jacksplace's Clarendon Way Walk, with more than 100 residents signing up for the new Ultimate Clarendon variant of the event.

Now organisers from the hospice have revealed they hope to raise £150,000 from both walks in a bid to fund 125 nights of "vital care" for children and young adults.

The charity’s new Ultimate Clarendon ultra-challenge event starts on Saturday, June 6, where walkers will set off at dusk in Salisbury city centre in a bid to reach Winchester as the sun rises the next morning.

Walkers aiming to tackle the 52 mile night and day challenge will be able to rest before making their way back to Salisbury alongside those beginning the 26 mile daytime trek on June 7.

Charity supporters will be expected to navigate varied terrain, stiles, hills, and wildlife with only a crescent moon and head torch to light their way.

Events Fundraiser, Charlotte Patrick, said: "We’ve had so much support for our 26 mile Classic Clarendon Way Walk in previous years, but for people to take the plunge to trek 26 miles through the night or the whole 52 mile night and day challenge is astounding.

"This event gives supporters the perfect opportunity to take on a new challenge while raising money for Naomi House & Jacksplace, supporting hundreds of children and young adults with life limiting illnesses, as well as their families.

"We hope our ‘Classic Clarendon’ and ‘Ultimate Clarendon’ combined, will raise £150,000, enough to fund 125 nights of vital care for children and young adults here at our hospices.”

To sign up for the Clarendon Way Walk or Ultimate Clarendon, visit www.naomihouse.org.uk/walk.

Places are available with 20 percent discount until the end of January.

Residents will be able to choose from various challenges are available, including the 52 mile ultra-challenge, a 26 mile night hike, the 26 mile Clarendon Way Walk event from Winchester to Salisbury, a 14 mile walk from Broughton to Salisbury and the mini Clarendon from Pitton to Salisbury.

Naomi House & Jacksplace hospices provide respite, emergency, end of life and bereavement support to hundreds of children and young adults with life threatening and life limiting conditions in Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex.

They also provide care in Berkshire, Wiltshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

The hospices, located near Winchester, offer 24 hour care to the region’s most medically vulnerable youngsters