FUNDRAISERS are being urged to join a midnight meander in a starlight stroll through wonderland that will raise thousands of pounds for charity.

The magical world of Lewis Carroll is set to come to life in South Park, Darlington, as St Teresa’s Hospice stages its annual Midnight Walk.

The themed event, which has raised more than £100,000 since it began in 2008, will this year take place on Friday, June 17.

All walkers are encouraged to dress as their favourite character from Alice in Wonderland with the best weird and whacky costume winning a prize.

Decorations along the route, as well as activities on the night, will all be themed to the classic children’s fantasy novel.

Chief executive of St Teresa’s Hospice, Jane Bradshaw, said: “This is our ninth annual Midnight Walk and will hopefully be our biggest and best so far.

“We want hundreds of Alice’s, Mad Hatters, Cheshire Cats and white rabbits, along with a whole host of other characters, walking through South Park and having a great time.

“People can walk in memory of someone they may have lost, or just have a girls’ night out and a bit of fun, but every penny that we raise will go towards helping people with severe health issues and their families in Darlington.”

Walkers completing the 1.5-mile route through Darlington’s South Park will receive an Alice-themed goody bag for taking part and a hot drink and bacon butty at the finish line.

Walkers can complete a registration form at the hospice or any St Teresa's charity shop. Online registration forms can be found at support.darlingtonhospice.org.uk/pages/midnight-walk

Anyone who registers on or before the early bird deadline of Sunday, May 1, will also be entered into an exclusive prize draw.