THE coast is clear for community groups to form teams of walkers to take part in the new Inverclyde Stride event.

It involves 18-mile and four-mile fundraising waterfront walks on Saturday August 31 to raise funds for good causes.

The longer trip will set off at 9am from Parklea Branching Out in the Port and take in many of Inverclyde's finest sights - including Newark Castle, The Esplanade, Cloch Lighthouse and Ardgowan Estate, finishing at Inverkip Community Hub.

The four-mile alternative will start at Lunderston Bay at 2pm and also finish at Inverkip.

To help the drive for participants, the team from organisers CVS Inverclyde were joined by some of the 100-plus walkers who have already signed up and benefited from the early bird discounted registration open until May 31.

The early bird fee is £15 per adult, or £30 for a guardian with up to two children, and includes a pre-walk warm up at Parklea Branching Out, an environmentally-friendly water bottle for topping up en route, a medal on completion and post-event party at Inverkip Community Hub.

From June 1, the full price registration will be £20 per adult or £40 for a guardian and up to two children.

Ian Bruce of CVS Inverclyde said: “We are looking forward to putting our best foot forward this August, as we bring together Inverclyde’s community groups and voluntary organisations in this healthy, fun, fundraising venture.

“We are delighted to see so many people getting on board already with Inverclyde Stride.

“In a bid to maximise their fundraising, we are asking participants to set up their own page via the Inverclyde Community Fund Just Giving website, where all donations will be gathered.

"Money raised will be distributed by the fund direct to the individual community group or voluntary organisation following the event.

"In this way, groups that are not registered charities will benefit from Gift Aid on all eligible donations, adding to their fundraising total."

Find out more about Inverclyde Stride at www.cvsinverclyde.org.uk