People are being urged to step out under the stars to raise thousands of pounds and help provide vital support for those affected by cancer.

This summer will again see the return of the Starlight Walk. Now in its seventh year, the 13-mile walk around Norwich's outer ring road has so far raised more than �320,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Launching this year's event, which will start at midnight on Friday, June 22, organisers said they are hoping for a record-breaking year.

Jane Rumball, administration manager at the Sportspark and who first came up with the idea of the Starlight Walk, said: 'The Starlight Walk is a fantastic event every year.

'We are a no frills, no fuss event and aim to have fun whilst raising as much money as possible. All the money raised, including entry fees and sponsorship money, goes straight to Macmillan in Norfolk and isn't spent freebies.

'We get fantastic support from our walkers every year and want as many people as possible to get involved to raise even more than last year.'

The walk, organised by the Sportspark and sponsored by Chapelfield shopping centre, starts and finishes on the athletics track at the Sportspark and follows the outer ring road.

Last year, just under 600 people took part in the Evening News-supported walk and raised more than �52,000. All funds raised go towards nursing and cancer care in Norfolk.

Sheridan Smith, marketing manager at Chapelfield, said: 'We're proud to be the main sponsor of Starlight Walk 2012 and delighted to be involved in this exciting event, raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

'Participating in the Starlight Walk is a very special experience, do have a go - it's a great feeling.'

The first Starlight Walk was held in 2006 and saw 300 people take part. Each year there has been a rise in the number of walkers and amount raised. This year the Starlight Walk, which is open to men and women aged over 16, hopes to get 1,000 to sign up this year.

Paul Fleet, fundraising manager for Macmillan, added: 'I would like to sincerely thank everyone at the UEA Sportspark who are involved in organising this fantastic event and supporting Macmillan's vital work nationally and locally. I hope that as many people in Norfolk want to support the event and raise as much money as possible for the charity.'

Registration costs �25, all of which goes straight to Macmillan Cancer Support in Norfolk. Contact Ms Rumball on 01603 593779 or email starlightwalk@uea.ac.uk. Application forms are available from the Starlight Walk website www.starlightwalknorwich.co.uk.

Are you launching a charity event? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk.