A FORMER pub landlady and her friends are among hundreds of women who will walk seven miles along Redcar seafront as part of this year's Starlight Stroll.

Olwyn McPhillips and 20 friends will raise money for Teesside Hospice's Seaside Starlight Stroll - the region's largest, late-night, ladies-only sponsored walk.

She is the former landlady of the Captain Cook, Middlesbrough's oldest pub which featured in Auf Wiedersehn Pet, and she has been raising money for local charity for years.

This year she dedicated her efforts to helping Teesside Hospice after two of her close friends were patients last year.

"Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way," she said. "The nursing staff are fantastic. We really wanted to do something for this great cause.

"Up to now there is about 20 of my friends and family taking part who are all excited about the evening.

"All the staff from the Green Tree pub are joining me which is fantastic, so we have decided to call our team the Green Tree pirates. If anyone can help in any way, whether it be sponsorship or joining us on the walk, please give what you can."

Jane O'Byrne, Teesside Hospice Fundraising Manager, said: "The Starlight Stroll may be for a serious cause but it is really good fun. Bringing friends and family together for such a great night will only add to the enjoyment."

The walk takes place on June 28 at 10pm and people can register online at www.starlightstroll.co.uk. Anyone wanting to sponsor the Green Tree Pirates can call into the pub at 55 Gilkes Street, Middlesbrough.