IT’S time to put your walking boots on – and sign up to one of the biggest and most popular charity days in the county’s calendar.

The Orwell Walk is taking place on Sunday, June 30, and this year the day has a brand new element – the Orwell Cycle.

Organised by the Ipswich East Rotary Club, the event raises more than £60,000 for Suffolk charities and since it was launched in 1977 has raised £1.3million-plus for good causes.

Rotary club president, Steve Flory said: “The walk is phenomenally successful due, we believe, to the fact that each walker can choose their own charity to support, and also due to its accessibility.

“It’s a walk which takes in some of the most beautiful parts of the Orwell Estuary which are normally inaccessible to the general public.

“By adding a new dimension of two cycle routes this year we hope many more will take part either with friends or as part of cycling groups.”

The Orwell Walk has three routes to choose from, catering for most abilities – 12 miles, 18 miles and the full route of 25 miles.

The new Orwell Cycle has two routes of four miles and 14 miles.

Both cyclists and walkers will start from Gainsborough Sports Club. Last year’s walk attracted 2,000 participants.

Walkers and cyclists will each receive a welcome drink bottle from sponsors Healthy Ambitions and a medal for their efforts

? To find out more about the walk and cycle events log onto www.ipswicheastrotaryclub.co.uk – where people can register on-line – or call walk administrator Norman Haines on 01473 215333.