HUNDREDS of people will take a seaside stroll with a difference tonight, when they join in Hartlepool's first Midnight Walk.

As the clock strikes 12, more than 500 women will walk together from Hartlepool Marina to Seaton Carew and back, in support of Hartlepool and District Hospice.

The evening will begin with a fun aerobic warm-up, to get people in the mood, and then they will set off on their seven-mile journey, as lanterns are released into the sky above the marina.

Helen Mills, chief executive of the hospice, said: "The midnight walk is set to be one of the most magical community events of the year.

"Some women will be walking in celebration of the bonds of family or friendship while, for others, just walking the route will be a real personal challenge.

"These people will be stepping out alongside other individuals who have chosen the event as a way to pay tribute to the life of someone special who they have lost.

"What is certain is that everybody will be united to share the feeling and help each other finish the walk, while also raising as much money for hospice care as possible."

Organisers hope the event will raise more than £20,000 towards the £2.4m needed this year to maintain the specialist palliative care and bereavement support services offered by the hospice, based in Wells Avenue, Hartlepool.

Entry for the walk is now closed. Registration will begin at 10pm at the Tees and Hartlepool Yacht Club.

Participants will have the chance to celebrate their success with a free breakfast on their return to the yacht club.