WITH a name like Twilight Totty, it has to be safe bet that a team of women walkers are planning something at night in the months to come. In fact, they are out there already, in training for the second annual Midnight Walk in aid of Grove House Hospice i

WITH a name like Twilight Totty, it has to be safe bet that a team of women walkers are planning something at night in the months to come.

In fact, they are out there already, in training for the second annual Midnight Walk in aid of Grove House Hospice in St Albans.

Twilight Totty is the name of one of the teams planning to take part in the 10-mile circular route starting from St Michael's parish centre in Verulamium Park at midnight on Saturday, June 28.

It's a walk for women only and the event organisers are looking for 1,000 women to take part and help raise £100,000 for Grove House.

The ladies of Twilight Totty all walk as a regular group after dropping their children off at school. Their weekly routes vary from starting at Verulamium Park to the more challenging hills of the Gorhambury Estate, circular routes of Bricket Wood and Wheathampstead and further afield if time and energy allow.

Team member Justine Cropper said: "It's a brilliant way to start the day being out in the fresh air, feeling invigorated and enjoying each other's company as well as getting fit at the same time.

"It really makes exercise fun and as a bonus, it's great to be working towards a goal and all for such a good cause."

Twilight Totty initially came together to train for last year's Midnight Walk but ended up having such a great time that they decided to keep their walking group together and take up the challenge once again in 2008.

Founding member and seasoned walker Sarah Mackay said: "As a group we had never done this type of challenge before but although it started at midnight and we were all walking 10 miles, there was a great atmosphere among all who took part and it was a fantastic event to be part of, especially when we got to the end!"

"While in training for the event, we all found it a great way to keep fit, stay in shape and have fun while helping to raise money for such a vital charity which benefits our local community and we are all looking forward to taking part again this year."

The Midnight Walk is set to become an annual event on the St Albans calendar and the organisers are hoping that like last year, many other teams of women will take up the challenge and get into the spirit of the event by adding their own personal touch to their team's walking outfits.

Twilight Totty could be spotted walking in their customised pink tutus with flashing lights so for 2008 organisers will be on the look-out for the team with the best outfits which celebrates the fun atmosphere of the event.

Paul Parish, fundraising director of Grove House, said: "The Midnight Walk is a fantastic event for the women of Herts to come together and will help to raise much-needed funds for Grove House which supports people in St Albans, Harpenden and Hemel Hempstead living with cancer or life-threatening illness and their families.

"With the money from this year's event, it will help Grove House to develop new services for the area that will ensure the very best in care for the seriously ill, in particular a 24-hour, seven-day, home-nursing service."

Women walkers are invited to sign up now for the challenge and enjoy the benefits that walking brings while training for the event and having a great evening.

Midnight Walk leaflets are available in shops, sports centres and cafes in St Albans and Harpenden by visiting www.midnightwalk.org , by calling Jo Fall on 01727 731002 or e-mailing Joanne@grove-house.org.uk