IF you haven't made the deadline for the Taunton 10K on Sunday, September 30 - never fear there is a much more easier and relaxing way to spend the day doing the Rotary sponsored walk.

Rotary is staging the first 50-50 charity sponsored walk with money raised benefiting a string of worthy causes including the Scouting movement, which celebrates its centenary this year.

And the event will also help mark the 170th anniversary of the Somerset County Gazette.

For several years, Rotary and the Gazette have linked up for the successful annual 50-50 cycle ride, with half of the money raised going to Rotary charities and the other half to the riders' nominated worthy causes.

So far, June's bike ride has made a massive £11,368.51.

The walk itself - also backed by Viridor Waste Management - will take place between 10am and 3pm, and is suitable for families of all ages.

It involves a circular walk of 4.4miles (7km) starting at Vivary Park Gate, passing through Trull and up Cotlake Hill before returning to Vivary - far more leisurely than pounding the streets of Taunton.

Walkers need to set off between 10am and 11.30pm, but can stop off and enjoy lunch en-route with either a picnic or at a pub along the way.

Like the cycle ride, money is split 50/50 - with half going to a charity of the walker's choice and the remaining half going to local Scout groups along with prostate and testicular cancers. Walkers can take part either individually or part of a team.

The official entry form is published below and is also available to download from our website - www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk Sponsor forms are also on-line to download, along with a map of the route.

Further details are available from Jacky Ford, the walk administrator, by calling 01823-277057 or writing to Brindles, 16 Campion Drive, Taunton, TA1 3XE.

There is an entry fee of £1 per walker (to cover administration costs) or £3 for a family of up to four - 50p for every child thereafter.

Entry forms and money should be sent to Jacky at the above address.

If you don't fancy the walk you can also help the Rotary on the day by being a walk marshal.

Anyone interested in lending some of their time can contact Rikki Batts on 01823-283479.