CHARITIES and good causes learned all about this year's Examiner Charity Challenge at a get-together last night.

The launch was held at Dalton Grange and people representing many organisations had the chance to see the latest walks, pushchair and wheelchair routes, plus the cycling and horse routes mapped out for the first time.

The event, organised with local Lions clubs, takes place on Sunday May 21 at Meltham Sports and Community Centre in Mean Lane.

Entrants are now invited to register, using the form below - which will be repeated in the Examiner over the next few weeks.

Alternatively, participants can pick up forms at the Examiner's customer reception.

Jenny Parkin, the Examiner's head of content, chaired the meeting. She said: "Last year, we set a fundraising target of £45,000 and managed to surpass that by almost £10,000.

"So this time we're aiming even higher - and our sights are set on £60,000. Let's hope the weather's as gorgeous this time as it was in 2005!"

Many charities will benefit and people can donate their sponsorship money to any charity they like.

Neil Windett, speaking for Kirklees Culture and Leisure Services, told attendees: "It's all about encouraging people to enjoy the local countryside. In my opinion, people underrate what we have."

Angela Glover, of Cowcliffe Playgroup, talked of the success of her organisation's fundraising drive last year. Friends of the playgroup raised more than £2,000.

She said: "For an organisation like us it's a brilliant event. You don't have to do any real organising. You just get your walkers together and come along."

Any charity that was not represented at the meeting can still get involved by calling Bob Armitage of Huddersfield Lions on 07802 900653.