HUNDREDS of walkers will be hoping for clear skies over Poole tonight for the fifth annual Starlight Stroll.

This 5km charity event, in aid of the town’s Lewis-Manning Hospice, kicks off with a Zumba warm up at Sanbanks Beach Cafe at 10pm.

Celebrity walkers taking part include former Coronation Street star Debra Stephenson and Roy Castle’s widow Fiona.

Hospice fundraising manager Maria Tidy said: “The Starlight Stroll is one of our biggest and most exciting events of the year.

“It is a great opportunity for people to get involved and raise funds for our local charity, have fun and get some exercise.

“It is also a chance for people to help us celebrate our 20th anniversary and opening of our new hospice.”

Lewis-Manning Hospice volunteers still need around £700,000 to fund the new building at Evening Hill.

This 23-bed hospice – costing £2.8m – will part open in May, when day hospice services commence.

However, residential bedrooms in the pallative care unit will open in phases as funding filters through.

During the Starlight Stroll, walkers will stop off at the state-of-the-art site for an exclusive tour.

Mrs Castle, patron to the hospice’s Breathlessness Clinic, will give a talk during refreshments at the hospice. Last year, more than 150 people, many dressed in night clothes, took part in the charity stroll. Tonight organisers are hoping at least 300 participants will brave the moonlight and eclipse 2011’s £10,000 fundraising total.

A spokesman said: “All ages and abilities are welcome and fancy dress is encouraged.”

The 5km is from Sandbbanks to the hospice and back again.