THE sponsor of this year's Great North Walk is urging people to step into action to fight global poverty.

North-East fair trade pioneer Traidcraft is appealing for people to sign for the walk in County Durham next month and raise sponsorship for its own charity, Traidcraft Exchange.

The firm hopes hundreds of people will tackle the eight-mile Great North Walk route, based at Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland, on Sunday, July 18.

The walk is a key event for the Chance to Live campaign, launched by The Northern Echo, Wear Valley District Council, Durham Dales Primary Care Trust and Northumbrian Water to promote the benefits of regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

All sponsorship money raised by Traidcraft Exchange walkers will be used to help build a better future for people in some of the poorest and most remote parts of the world.

Along the route, mile markers will highlight some of their stories and for many of them, an eight-mile walk for water is the least of their daily challenges.

Walkers supporting the charity will receive an organic cotton T-shirt, a Geobar snack bar and be invited to a post walk party to celebrate Traidcraft's 25th anniversary.

Chief executive Paul Chandler said: "We're appealing to hundreds of people to sign up for the walk and raise sponsorship for our development charity. It's the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy the countryside, whilst knowing that you are helping others every step of the way."

People wanting to raise funds for Traidcraft are asked to contact 0845 2309702.

A Great North Walk entry form is also available on page 11 of today's Northern Echo.

Read more about the Chance to Live campaign here.