Organisers of the White Horse Challenge charity walking event have issued a plea for people to enter and for volunteers to be marshals.

The event, on the weekend of July 6 and 7, raises money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and is sponsored by the Gazette & Herald and sister paper The Wiltshire Times. It is in its eighth year and has raised more than £89,000 for the charity.

The route takes in some of the county’s White Horses, including Marlborough, Cherhill, Pewsey and Devizes.

Numbers are down compared to this time last year.

Zoe Meaden, of co-organisers Monahans chartered accountants, said: “It’s a great way to get exercise and see the beautiful Wiltshire countryside. It can be done by individuals, teams of friends, workmates and families.

“The air ambulance relies on donations from the public as it receives no Government funding.”

The organisers are also calling for more volunteer marshals.

Looking forward to taking part for the first time are experienced walkers Simon and Cheryl Glover of Pewsey. Mr Glover, 44, a director of Aldi supermarket, and his wife, 45, a civil servant with the Ministry of Defence in Wiltshire, will be doing the two day challenge of 55 miles.

Mr Glover said: “It’s for a good cause, you never know when you might need the air ambulance.”

There is a one day challenge and teams can split the distance among their members, and on July 7 there is a seven mile family challenge.

The event is organised by Monahans, Rygor Commercials and Rocking Horse Nursery.

To take part in the walk or to volunteer as a marshal, call Monahans on 01225 785520.