RESIDENTS from in and around Okehampton are invited along for a walk and a few pints this weekend to raise money for charity.

The Ten Pub Walk celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, having been started in 2001 by volunteers from the Dartmoor Rescue Group. The event raises money for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, and has grown each year, with the 'Ten Pub Walk' now visiting 12 pubs on its route.

The walk is organised by Dunnee Elson, one of the original crew involved with the first event. Dunnee said: 'The idea came to us after a weekend of the Ten Tors, where we decided to create our own version of a walk across Dartmoor, this time taking in ten pubs. We even debated the idea of drinking 35, 45 or 55 pints, but that suggestion was short-lived!

The event is now organised annually by the Okement Hash House Harriers, and follows a 16-mile route that starts at the Sandy Park Inn in Chagford and ends up at the Plymouth Inn in Okehampton, visiting the Northmore Arms, Seven Stars Inn and Taw River Inn, among others.

Dunnee said: 'There is no time limit and it's not a race. You can take as long as you like.'

Caroline Creer, fundraising director for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, said: 'This event goes from strength to strength. Everyone who takes part seems to have such a good time and the money they have raised over the years is magnificent.

'We are grateful to everyone who supports this walk, in any way, and wish them all a very successful day.'

This year's event starts at 11am on Saturday July 2. The walk has raised more than £30,000 since its inception. To celebrate its tenth anniversary organisers hope it will raise a further £10,000.

To find out more call Dunnee on 01837 52644 or visit the website http://www.tenpubwalk.co.uk">www.tenpubwalk.co.uk to see the full route and list of pubs.