The event, on Saturday 11 September, aims to get at least one team of walkers on all 187 coastal paths in selected regions throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

Coast Along was started by South West Water in 2005 with support from WaterAid, but this year it has gone nationwide for the first time. The 2009 event raised over £80,000 for the charity.

There are 70 sections of coastal path in the South West to choose from. Sections are between four and 15 miles and graded from easy to severe so there is something for everyone - from families to experienced walkers. There are also sections of path suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.

Neil Whiter, Water Strategy Manager, South West Water and WaterAid South West Representative said: "The Coast Along event is a fantastic opportunity for people to go for a walk on our beautiful coastline while helping to raise much-needed funds for WaterAid.

"South West Water is proud to be associated with WaterAid. The charity helps to provide clean drinking water and sanitation to some of the world's poorest countries."

For many of the world's poorest people, finding water is a daily struggle and women and children walk miles each day just to meet this basic need. The distance walked by most Coast Along participants will be similar to the daily routine for millions of women and children in Africa and Asia.

Money raised will help WaterAid – the industry charity of South West Water - to provide safe water, sanitation and hygiene education for people in these parts of the world. Just £15 can enable one person to access safe water, improved hygiene and sanitation.

Anyone wishing to take part in this year's Coast Along is asked to try to raise a minimum of £50 in sponsorship for WaterAid.

If you are interested, go to: www.coastalongforwateraid.org for more information and to sign up.

Notes to editors

• Since 1993 South West Water's customers have raised over £3million for WaterAid from the inserts included with their water bills. This is enough to help more than 200,000 people gain access to safe, clean water

• WaterAid is the UK's only major charity dedicated exclusively to the provision of safe domestic water, sanitation and hygiene education to the world's poorest people

• WaterAid now works in 26 developing countries in Africa, Asia and the Pacific Region

• South West Water's staff have raised nearly £400,000 for WaterAid in the last 5 years through sponsored events including Coast Along and The Great West Run as well as concerts, talks and competitions.

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