ONE of Southend's biggest fundraising events is gearing up for its tenth anniversary.

The Southend Colourthon, a night time walk from Chalkwell Park along the seafront and back, is putting on a party for the tenth annual event on Saturday, July 2, and everyone is invited.

This year's event will feature bands and singers and organisers are currently on the look out for more local talent to take part.

Entrants are also being encouraged to sign up now to raise money for any charity close to their heart.

In the decade it has been running the Colourthon, which is supported by the Echo, has raised an astonishing £1.25million, benefitting 726 different charities.

Some of those taking part have raised shed loads of money for wonderful causes.

Karen Langley, a member of Kingsdown School Parents' Association, has taken part in the walk almost every year since it started.

She said: "We pay the entry fee for parents and children who want to go on the walk to raise money for our school and have raised £5,000 so far. Parents take part in the main event and children can do the twilight walk.

"Being a special school we need a lot of equipment and sensory toys and with disabled children everything costs so much. We are hoping to get a special bike that you can attach a wheelchair too so that an adult can ride it with a child. Some of the children have adapted bikes but some don't get the chance so this would be in the school for them."

Ms Langley, 42, from Eastwood, added: "The walk is great. It raises money for some very special causes but Kingsdown is close to my heart. I would encourage anyone to sign up. It's a really enjoyable evening and very well run by the Round Table."

Julian Hart, lead organiser for the Colourthon, said" “The Colourthon just keeps going from strength to strength and it’s unbelievable what we have achieved in reaching our tenth event. It’s amazing, and the reaction from those who enter each year is the motivation to keep us coming back, bigger and better.

“To mark our tenth, we have added something new and exciting - the Paint Run. This type of event has not been done before in this area and we are very excited to be working with the charity Headway to bring it to town."

Mr Hart added: “You can apply online from today to walk or run in one of our events by visiting the official website colourthon.org. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

“More than ever, charities need our help and financial support, so, we need the public to read this and want to get involved and take up the challenge. With such help, the Colourthon has the potential to really make a real difference to registered charities in the area.”