THOUSANDS of pounds are expected to be raised in the annual Examiner Charity Challenge, which was launched last night.

Dozens of local and national charities have already signed up to be one of the charities of choice this year.

And with thousands of people walking, cycling and horse riding in aid of them at Meltham on May 18, organisers hope more charities will get involved.

Children’s hospice appeal the Forget-Me-Not-Trust, the Laura Crane Trust, Kirkwood Hospice and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance have already signed up.

Many more local, regional and national charities are expected to get involved over the coming weeks.

Junior football teams, playgroups and Scout and Brownie groups can also enter.

Bob Armitage, of Huddersfield Lions Club, who are helping to organise the event, said: “I hope to get more charities involved this year than ever before.

“This is a chance for them to raise awareness of what they are doing and for people to raise money to support them.”

The Examiner Charity Challenge is an annual day of walks, cycle and horse rides.

Last year 89 charities benefited and more than £40,000 was raised.

In total, about £500,000 has been given to worthy causes since the fund-raising event began.

Mr Armitage added: “Our main aim is to raise as much as we can for as many charities as we can.

“This is a chance for folk to do whatever they can to support a cause close to their heart.

“It can generate an amazing amount of money.

“We can really make a big difference,” Mr Armitage said.

Entry forms are printed in the Examiner today (left) and tomorrow or are available by calling into the Examiner office on Queen Street South.

There will be a number of routes for people of all levels of fitness and ability, including a family-friendly walk and a more challenging one.

There are also four bike rides – including one of 48 miles – a horse ride and a wheelchair and pushchair walk.