A FUNDRAISING night-time walk in Chester has a brand new route which now bypasses an 'infamous' bridge.

Organisers of the 5K Chester Sparkle Walk, which last year raised over £60,000 for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd in Backford, have announced the event will return on Friday, June 14.

But this year the walk, sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb, will miss out the Queen's Park Suspension Bridge, which some walkers declared was a bridge too far last year.

The hospice team has been reviewing the route and was ‘swayed’ by the feedback from walkers.

The new route now features the sturdy Old Dee Bridge, the oldest bridge in the city, along with the Grosvenor Bridge.

Justin Caroe, community fundraiser, said: “We have listened to your feedback from last year and have made significant improvements to the route to make it even better.

“Having bypassed the suspension bridge, the route now takes you through Handbridge and back into the city centre via Grosvenor Bridge.”

Organisers are urging residents to walk for someone special or just come and have fun at this year’s sponsored Sparkle Walk by calling 01244 851811, or by registering online at www.hospicegs.com.

Now in its 30th year, the hospice has an annual running cost of £4 million where less than a third comes from government funding.

The remaining income is generated through fundraising, donations, events and corporate partnerships.