Bigger and better beer walk

FRODO FUN . . . (from left) Dave MacDougall, Richard Taylor, Paul Meredith, Mike Coulter (club chairman) and Peter Holt

SADDLEWORTH’S famous Beer Walk will start an hour earlier this year to minimise traffic disruption.

The charity fund-raising event, which attracts scores of enthusiastic teams from across the region, has become a major highlight on Saddleworth’s social calendar.

And this year’s theme will centre on Frodo Baggins, featuring in “Lord of the Ring Pulls”.

The event, organised by Saddleworth Round Table, is reckoned to raise more than £30,000 for local good causes and an estimated additional £70,000 for other charities across the region.

Dave MacDougall, the round table’s community services co-ordinator, said: “Due to its success we have extended the walk by bringing the start time forward to 1pm.

“This is to minimise disruption and help with road closures.

“This year, our fundraising success means we have been able to stage the old folks’ Christmas party and give donations to fantastic organisations including mountain rescue, Uppermill Sports Club and many more.”

Mike Coulter, Saddleworth Round Table’s newly-appointed chairman, said: “This year’s beer walk will be bigger and better. We are just bowled over by the fantastic support from the community. We would urge people to visit our website.”

Beer Walk T-shirts are also available from the group for the event, which takes place on Saturday, May 29. For more information, visit: www.beerwalk.co.uk .