PEOPLE in Ilkley are being urged to help fight Parkinson’s by taking part in a walk in the town.

The event, on May 21, is one of a number being held across the UK to help find a cure for the disease.

Walk for Parkinson’s offers the chance for people of all ages and abilities to get involved in a fun day out, while helping to raise funds.

Participants will be able to chose from a range of distances around Riverside Gardens, including a two mile and a four mile route.

Last year, 44 people took part in the Ilkley walk raising £5,243 - and this year Parkinson's UK hopes to boost the total even more.

Sky Sports Presenter and Champion of Walking for Parkinson’s UK Dave Clark, who is from Ilkley, was diagnosed with the disease in 2011. He is encouraging as many people as possible to join in.

He said: "In 2016 I completed my own 200-mile Coast to Coast walk for Parkinson’s UK, it was tough but the sense of achievement when I crossed the finish line was fantastic.

"I know not everyone can walk that far, which is why our Walk for Parkinson’s at Ilkley, with a choice of distances, is perfect for everyone. My mum took part last year and I know she really enjoyed the day.

"2017 is going to be our most ambitious year yet for the Walk for Parkinson’s series. With every pound that we raise we get closer to a cure. So please join us at Ilkley and help us step closer to our goal of improving the lives of every person affected by Parkinson’s."

The registration fee is £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s. Everyone who registers will receive a free Parkinson’s UK t-shirt, fundraising pack and at the end of the walk, a finishers medal.

The charity is hoping to raise more than £400,000 from the 32 events, so suggests walkers aim to raise at least £50.

All money from the event will help the charity's work to provide support and information for people affected by Parkinson’s and to help find better treatments, and ultimately a cure.

The charity is also looking for volunteers to help register people at the start and finish areas or to be walk marshals at various points on the route.

To find out more and to sign up to walk or volunteer visit www.parkinsons.org.uk/walkilkley, call 0207 963 9367 or email: fundraising@parkinsons.org.uk