HUNDREDS of walkers from all over the country are expected at Yelverton this Sunday, to take part in one of two sponsored walks to raise money for the NSPCC to provide local services to children in the area.

The two walks, one of 22 miles and the lesser one of five miles,  both start and end at Yelverton St Paul's Church Hall on Sunday morning.

The 22-mile event takes walkers along Drake's Trail to Whitchurch, then on to Merrivale, Burrator, Sheepstor and back through Clearbrook. The less demanding five-mile route is also circular from Yelverton to Clearbrook and back. The walks are called HACKs for Hike Against Cruelty to Kids.

Walkers have been registering as individuals or teams and the Devon NSPCC has been sending out registration packs with tips for training and fundraising.

They will have paid a fee of £20 for the 22-mile walk and £10 for the five miles.

Both are also sponsored by Go Outdoors stores across the South West.

Tavistock Lions Club is among those who have volunteered members to help on the day but local helpers will still be welcomed to ensure the walks go as intended and without incident.

The event has been organised by the Yelverton committee and the Plymouth and West Devon  NSPCC.

Chairman Sam Doel said: 'The NSPCC is hoping to raise thousands of pounds from the HACK and it will give people the opportunity to see some of the UK's most beautiful countryside.

'We are very grateful to all organisers, helpers and the people who will be taking part.'