STAFF at Manorlands are preparing for a night under the stars.

A team of about 20 people is taking part in the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice's annual Starlight Hike.

Among them will be nurses and nursing assistants, physiotherapists, occupational and complimentary therapists and administrators.

They will join hundreds of people walking the ten-kilometre route, on September 26.

Participants will begin the evening at around 6.30pm at Oxenhope Station, where there will be music, stalls, entertainment and a warm-up.

They will then board the Starlight Express – one of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway's steam trains specially re-named for the night – and travel to Oakworth Station where they will disembark to begin the walk.

The route will take in the Starlight Avenue within the grounds of Manorlands, where walkers can hang a dedication star to celebrate the life of a loved one.

An online fundraising page has been set-up by the Manorlands contingent, which hopes to raise £500 – enough to cover a day's care for a patient at the hospice.

Alison Dodds, a sister at Manorlands, said: "Working on the ward here we see on a daily basis the impact fundraising has on our ability to provide the care we do.

"We all felt as a group that we would like to contribute in some way to the fundraising and we are very excited to be taking part in this year's hike.

"Being able to participate, and knowing we are going to be walking alongside people who have had some involvement with the ward and are helping raise funds for us to carry on giving the incredible care we do, is very humbling."

Senior fundraiser Hayley Ibbotson added: "It's great to have the staff from the hospice taking part in and supporting our fundraising events, as they are the very people who provide the wonderful care to our patients and their families that we're known for.

"We need to raise £1.6 million each year to continue running our services so it's a team effort getting everyone involved in helping us reach this figure.

"We're looking forward to what will be a great night with a real sense of celebration and community spirit."

To support the Manorlands walkers, visit virginmoneygiving.com/manorlandsteamincredible.

Anyone wishing to take part in the hike should visit sueryder.org/starlighthike/manorlands or call 01535 640430.