A well-established part of the town's calendar, this year the 22-mile boundary walk will take place on Sunday, May 4, and as in the past it is also a good opportunity to raise money for good causes.

This year the main beneficiary will be the Forget-Me-Not Trust, which is also Mayor of Todmorden Pam Lally's chosen charity. It aims to build a hospice for children in the Calderdale and Kirklees area.

A spokesman for the walk organisers said: "What began almost quarter of a century ago as a casual community walk with around 100 walkers has now developed into a recognised event in the walkers' calendar.

"In recent years this has risen to about 300 participants coming from all parts of Britain.

"The organisation is affiliated to the Long Distance Walkers Association and endeavours to do all it can to ensure a safe and happy day for all. This year an additional smaller walk is also being included on which dogs are allowed."

The Boundary Walk follows as closely as possible the boundary of the old Borough of Todmorden. This forms a circular route crossing each of the four roads leading out of Todmorden at a point approximately three miles from the town centre.

This year a shorter walk, called The Pike Hike, is being included. This walk follows the canal towpath from Bellholme sports field (the starting point for both walks) into Todmorden and on to Eastwood where it joins the last section of the Boundary Walk back to the start at Bellholme sports field.

At each major road crossing point marshals are stationed to ensure walkers are safe and accounted for and the route is marked with either flags or instruction signs. For further safety, first aiders are on duty and Raynet personnel provide the communications at each checkpoint.

Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team walk each section of the route to ensure no one is in distress. As in previous years registration will be at the Bellholme Sports field on the side of the Rochdale Road at Walsden and the walk will be clockwise.

Entry forms and conditions of entry are available from Margaret's China Shop, Burnley Road, Todmorden, Todmorden Tourist Information Centre, and by downloading from the Rotary website www.todrotary.org and following the links or by e-mailing nscaddy@btinternet.co.uk.