THE last cross-Morecambe Bay walk of the season takes place on Sunday, September 19 with organisers keeping their fingers crossed for some good weather. The famous stroll from Hest Bank to Flookburgh attracts charity walkers from all over the country. But due to recent bad weather, many walks across the potentially lethal sand banks have been postponed. So a final walk of the year has been arranged to allow people to complete their sponsorship or to walk for a charity of their choice. The walk is from Hest Bank to Humphrey Head at Flookburgh, and starts from the Shore at Hest Bank at 9am. Return transport is available from Flookburgh and for further details, tel 01524-824693.

STAFF at Kendal's FOCUS store will take part in a fund-raising fun day on Saturday, September 18, to raise money for the Meningitis Trust and increase awareness of the disease and the charity's profile in the area. Activities in and around the store will include a barbecue and coffee shop, a cake stall, a bric-a-brac stall, raffle and many other events. All fund-raising ideas have been devised to change the face of everyday DIY shopping, albeit for one day, and staff hope to contribute to a total, national fund-raising figure of £100,000. There will be a Thunderbirds theme to build on the success of the Thunderbirds Meningitis pin badge initiative, sold throughout FOCUS stores nationally earlier in the year.

THERE will be a chance next month to share the musical memories of world-famous tenor Thomas Round. Now retired, the Barrow-born tenor sang with the D'Oyly Carte Company and Sadlers Wells before setting up his own company. Mr Round will be appearing at the Victoria Hall, Grange-over-Sands, on Saturday, October 2, at an event that will raise money for the North West Air Ambulance. Tickets for the event are available from Poole's Newsagents in Grange.

FUNDS to support cancer patients, carers and their families were given a boost of more than £2,200 by volunteers completing a cross bay walk in August. CancerCare North Lancs and South Lakeland secretary Sue Tyson thanked everyone for their support.

PEOPLE are being urged to give blood at a National Blood Service donation session next Thursday, September 23, at Ulverston's Coronation Hall. There are two two-hour sessions from 2pm and 5.30pm respectively. Details about joining the British Bone Marrow Register will also be available.

CASTERTON School is holding a coffee morning from 9am to noon on Friday, September 24, featuring homemade cakes, a large tombola stall and a raffle with prizes including a hot air balloon flight, lunch for two at the Pheasant Inn, Casterton, a meat hamper and six bottles of wine. All proceeds go to Macmillan Cancer Care.

Job of the week...

Volunteers are wanted to become involved in a busy Citizens' Advice Bureau office dealing with the public, both on the telephone and face-to-face, and providing some administrative support. For details, contact Abigail at Volunteer Centre South Lakeland, tel 01539-742636.