ABOUT 1,500 walkers, runners, joggers, strollers, dog walkers, bikers and toddlers are expected to line up for the Walk to Cure Diabetes at Itchen Valley Country Park tomorrow.

They will be joined by 65 members of staff from Southampton International Airport for the five-mile charity event at the country park in West End, which shares its eastern borders with the airport.

The flying base is sponsoring the South Coast Walk, through funding from the BAA 21st Century Communities Trust, and only six such events are happening nationwide.

Managing director of Southampton Airport and walk chairman David Cumming said: "All our teams from Southampton Airport are limbering up in preparation for this special charity fundraising walk on Sunday.

"It will be a fun day out for all the family, walkers and spectators alike. There will be so much great entertainment for walkers to enjoy while taking part in this vital fundraising initiative to support research into diabetes. I look forward to welcoming the walkers bright and early Sunday morning."

Walkers will be registering from 9.30am and participants will be able to enjoy breakfast before a 10.45am warm-up. Television presenter Fred Dinenage will be joining David Cumming at the start line for the official countdown to the walk at 11am.

Organisers say all abilities and all ages are welcome to enjoy the event.