People are being encouraged to start power walking now the weather is warming up, in preparation for The SunWalk Bristol, in aid of a breast cancer charity this summer.

The power walking challenge event, lead by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, will see thousands of women, men and children walking 5k, 10k and half-marathon distances from Ashton Court in Bristol on Sunday, July 4.

Nina Barough, Walk the Walk's chief executive and founder said: "Power walking is one of the few activities that really does work on almost every part of your body.

"It works wonders on defining the shape of your legs, lifting your bum and flattening your stomach by strengthening your core muscles, and you can expect to start seeing an improvement to your body profile after just two weeks of power walking at least three times a week."

The pastime is already a hit with celebrities such as Cameron Diaz, Teri Hatcher and Nicole Kidman, who have all been spotted power walking their way to an A-list body. Walking at least 45 minutes four times a week at pace, you could lose up to 18lbs in a year.

Power walkers can burn up to 300 calories an hour and, mile for mile, walking at a minimum pace of four miles an hour, use the same amount of energy as runners.

Ms Barough said: "At Walk the Walk, not only are we passionate about raising funds for vital breast cancer causes, we are also committed to encouraging women, men and children to become fitter and healthier,"

The SunWalk Bristol is now in its sixth year and the challenge is open to people from all generations in Bristol and beyond.

Everyone taking part will receive a Power Walking training guide to help them prepare for the big day.

Entries for The SunWalk Bristol are open online now at www.walkthewalk.org/Challenges/TheSunWalkBristol.