A FORMER Rotary president is dusting off his walking boots and stepping out in aid of the Telegraph & Argus Bradford Crocus Cancer Appeal.

John Guest is taking part in the Rotary Club of Bradford's 17-mile walk on October 12, an event that is open to all.

The walk will start in Kettlewell and finish at Bolton Abbey, with drop-out points at Grassington and Burnsall for those who prefer a shorter distance.

Mr Guest, who handed over the Rotary Presidential reins last month, said: "The Rotary Club of Bradford is organising a walk to help in the raising of funds to support Bradford Crocus Cancer Appeal. As before, donations are not related to miles walked. It is not a sponsored walk, donations are requested in advance and presented on the day."

He added: "The walk route follows the River Wharfe down for 17 miles through Grassington, Burnsall, Barden and through Strid Wood to Bolton Abbey. For those who prefer a shorter walk there are drop out points at Grassington and Burnsall. Transport will be provided to take walkers back to Bolton Abbey where they will receive their walk certificate."

Non-walkers are also asked to consider making a donation to the cause, said a Rotary spokesman.

It costs £12 to enter the walk - or £5 for those aged under 16 or in full-time education - and the fee covers the cost of the car park, coach fares, some refreshments, return transport from the selected drop-out point, route details, tips on getting donations and all you need to know about the walk.

Anyone who wants to take part should email Rotarybradford@hotmail.com for an entry form or more information, or visit the Rotary Club of Bradford's website.

Meanwhile, an extra £3,000 has been raised for the Crocus Appeal at a Yorkshire Day Dinner at the Dubrovnik Hotel in Bradford. A total of £1,355 was raised on the night through ticket sales, a raffle, auction and individual donations.

Two local businessmen - Michael Pix and Brendan Holt - doubled it to £2,710, and then businesswoman Janet Pickles added on £290 to take the total to £3,000.

A spokesman for the event said: "It was an excellent result."

The T&A is working with the University of Bradford, Yorkshire Cancer Research and Sovereign Health Care Charitable Trust to raise £1 million for the discovery and development of new cancer medicines at the university's Institute of Cancer Therapeutics.