ENTRIES are now open to support the Stars Appeal in this year’s Walk for Wards.

The charity’s president, the Earl of Pembroke, will host the sponsored walk around Wilton Estate on July 1.

It is free to enter and includes lunch and admission to the grounds after the walk, with 3km, 5km or 10km routes available, but all entrants must pledge to raise at least £20 sponsorship.

Walkers this year can choose to support the MRI scanner campaign for Salisbury District Hospital, or a ward of their choice.

Chairman of the campaign consultant surgeon Graham Branagan said Walk for Wards would be “integral to reaching the £1.5m target”.

“It is also a wonderful opportunity for people to get together in a beautiful location to celebrate the battles their parents, siblings or friends have had against cancer, heart disease and the myriad of other conditions which a second MRI scanner will help us treat more effectively,” he said.

The walk will be supported by Wilton House, Rotary Club of Wilton, the Journal and Spire FM, and the event’s principal sponsor is Salisbury Reds.

Geoff Stockley, assistant operations manager at the bus company said: “We are delighted to continue to support Walk for Wards and the Stars Appeal and the great work they do for the people of Salisbury and Wiltshire.”

“Although I’m new to this part of the world, and Salisbury Reds, many of my colleagues have mentioned what a great event Walk for Wards is and we expect a number of our drivers to be involved again this year.”

To sign-up to Walk for Wards visit starsappeal.org/event/walk-for-wards