A HOLIDAY company in Chagford will take part in the Great South West Walk taking place during April and May, to mark the 40th anniversary of the South West Coast Path and raise money for improvement projects.

Helpful Holidays has sponsored four of the walk's 56 legs, including Padstow to Trevone and Torcross to Prawle. Their team will be walking the route from Seatown to Seaton on Tuesday, April 9 and Torcross to East Portlemouth on Wednesday, April 17. On Tuesday April 30 there will be two groups walking simultaneously from Padstow to Porthcothan and Falmouth to Helford Passage.

Organised by the South West Coast Path Association, the Great South West Walk covers the entire 630 miles of the path in 56 sponsored legs, starting from Minehead on the north coast and South Haven Point on the south, taking in the entire coastline of Exmoor, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. Each section of the walk will be guided by a local expert, ranger or warden.

Helen Hayes of Helpful Holidays, said: 'Our coastline is spectacular and the South West Path is one of the West Country's jewels, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

'We care passionately about our local environment and are keen to support its conservation for future generations. Sponsoring these relays is a small and simple way in which we can contribute to the process of maintaining and improving the path.

'The association does a fantastic job keeping it safe for the benefit of us all.  If you would like to join us for a half or full day, or make up your own team, we would be delighted to welcome you.'

The Great South West Walk aims to raise at least £25,000 through individual sponsorship, grants, corporate sponsorship and matched giving, which will be used to fund over 50 improvement projects spread along the entire path. Pre-registration is essential by March 4.

For more information, including walk details, improvement projects and to pre-register, visit http://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk">www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk or call 01752 896237.