PUPILS from two local schools are among the first to sign up to the St Anne's Hospice welly walk.

The youngsters from Malpas Church in Wales Junior School and Thornwell Primary School, Chepstow, have pledged to tackle the five mile route across the Severn Bridge in September.

Each year the Gwent hospice, based in Malpas, has to raise £1.3 million to keep operating.

The new fundraiser, sponsored by Robert Wiseman Dairies, will collect vital funds.

Walkers taking part in the September 16 event will receive a pair of Wiseman wellies with their disinctive cow print.

Linda Davies, community fundraiser at St Anne's, said she hopes many families will turn out in support of the charity's first ever event of its type.

“We are dependent on the help of our community to help us continue providing our care to the people of Gwent and really appreciate the help of Robert Wiseman Dairies in putting on this event," she added.

Participants, who are allowed to bring their pet dog on the walk, can register at www.stanneshospice.org.uk.

All entry fees, £15 for adults and £10 for children, will go straight to the hospice, along with sponsorship collected.