A FUNDRAISING walk along Southend's legendary pier will return this summer to the iconic landmark.

Leigh Rotary Club will hold its annual charity walk on Sunday, May 14 in aid of Southend Hospital. 

There is no need for pre-walk registration as entry is open to all walkers on the 1.3-mile pleasure pier.

This year sees an extra attraction as a team from the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) will have their own walkers taking part with fire ground kit and breathing apparatus supported by other staff without PPE. 

The team is deployed to various hazardous, complex or prolonged incidents.

Its capabilities include chemical incidents, urban search and rescue, flood and swift water rescue, tactical operations in terrorist or firearm incidents, supporting police officers during hazardous operations.

Ron Price, Leigh Rotary member, said: "With the news that Southend Pier has been voted ‘Best Pier in Britain’, this event is a great opportunity to see the new electric trains, refurbished cafe and restaurant and to take in the fresh air."