Organisers are encouraging people to take part in the White Horse Challenge.

The annual event, on July 6 and 7, involves people walking in the Wiltshire countryside, taking in some of the county’s white horses, and raises money for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

It is in its eighth year and is sponsored by the Wiltshire Times and sister paper Gazette & Herald.

Zoe Meaden, of co-organisers Monahans in Trowbridge, said: “We have raised more than £89,000 so far for Wiltshire Air Ambulance and would love to hit the £100,000 mark this year. “We’re really excited about this year’s event and have had a lot of positive feedback from last year’s participants with a number eager to take part again this year.”

The choice of walks ranges from a seven mile family challenge up to 55miles over two days and walkers can bring their dogs. Last year the weather on the Saturday was dreadful, with heavy rains and muddy ground. Sunday’s weather was much better. Despite the first day’s adverse conditions, the event raised an amazing £17,000.

Caroline Wright, of Devizes, together with nine colleagues and friends took part on the Saturday last year, walking 29 miles from Devizes to Marlborough.

Ms Wright, a Police Community Support Officer based in Warminster, said: “We did get very wet and muddy, but it was absolutely worth it. Hopefully we will raise lots of money again this year for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.”

The White Horse Challenge is organised by Monahans, chartered accountants, Rygor Group, a dealership for Mercedes trucks and vans with its headquarters in Westbury, and Rocking Horse Nursery based in Shaw.

Caroline Corrigan, head of fundraising for Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: “This will be the eighth White Horse Challenge in aid of the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and we cannot thank the organisers, sponsors and participants enough for continuing to support it. The increase in funds needed to keep Wiltshire Air Ambulance flying is set to rise and by the end of 2014 the charity will need to find a staggering £2.5 million.”

See www.whitehorsechallenge.co.uk or call Monahans on 01225 785520.