A DOWNTON Abbey star is giving her backing to an annual Worth Valley hike in aid of the Sue Ryder charity.

Bradford-born actress Sophie McShera, who played Daisy in the hit ITV series, is urging people to put their best foot forward in the Starlight Hike Worth Valley.

The walk, again being sponsored by Stirk Lambert & Co Chartered Accountants, takes place on the evening of Saturday, October 12.

A Starlight Express train on the Keighley & Worth Valley line will take the hikers to the start for a marshalled walk – following a route through villages, countryside and the Manorlands hospice grounds, where people will have the opportunity to place a poignant dedication in honour of someone special to them.

And a new addition this year will be a 'donation station', where people can drop off unwanted clothes to be sold through Sue Ryder charity shops.

Participants can choose to tackle a five-kilometre or 10k walk.

Sophie, whose other TV credits include Waterloo Road, says: "I know how vital the care and support Sue Ryder provides is to families in the community.

"That’s why I’m encouraging everyone to get behind the charity and step out at the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Worth Valley.

"By taking part, not only will you be honouring your loved ones, but you’ll cross the finish line knowing that you have helped Sue Ryder continue providing end-of-life care and bereavement support when it matters."

Rachel Binns, head of hospice fundraising at Manorlands, says: "The evening is an opportunity for the community to get together and light up the skies for their loved ones, raise funds and help create a future where everyone has access to care and support at the end of their lives.

"Take part as a team – raising funds jointly – or individually, and together we can ensure no one has to face dying or grief alone. If this sounds like something you don’t want to miss out on, sign up today.

"If you can’t join us on the hike but still want to be part of this incredible event, we are also looking for volunteers to provide support. Contact us to find out more."

Standard adult entry prices start from £23.80.

For more details and to sign up, visit sueryder.org/StarlightWorthValley, email manorlands.fundraising@sueryder.org or call 01535 640430.

Last year, Sue Ryder hospice teams provided care to over 8,700 people, including from Manorlands.