CROWDS of 'invaluable' fundraisers will walk beneath a twinkling canopy of constellations.

Hundreds of supporters will journey for miles tonight in support of Oxford's Sobell House Hospice, as it brings its annual Moonlight Stroll back to the city's streets.

The nighttime walk will see more than 300 people stride along a nine-mile route from St Edward's School, though details of the rest of the route is kept secret until arrival.

Even organiser Kevin Game, a member of the Headington hospice's fundraising team, said: "We can't wait to see all our walkers lining up to take to the streets of Oxford in aid of Sobell House.

"It's always such a great atmosphere among the walkers, even on the years when the heavens have opened on us."

A post on Sobell's event page on Facebook added: "However you choose to take part, we are just glad that you do.

"Your support is invaluable to us and we hope that you'll be there with us.... [to] help us create some new Sobell memories."

The theme of the walk this year is memories, encouraging people to either walk in tribute to a lost loved one or simply share another treasured memory.

This could be through chatting to fellow walkers along the way about that memory, or even recreating it through something like fancy-dress.

Mr Game said about 300 people have already registered to walk but there will still be space for anyone wanting to join in this evening.

He added: "We would like to thank everyone who have signed up to take part as walkers, but also the marshals who make the event so much fun when the feet are getting a little tired."

Registration will open at St Edward's School sports hall in Woodstock Road from 7pm and entry costs £25.

All funds raised this year will go directly to the hospice's extension, which gained planning approval from Oxford City Council earlier this year.

The project was designed to meet increasing pressures amid an ageing population, and will include a new clinic and a dementia-friendly garden annex.

For more information about the event, which is Sobell's key fundraiser, visit sobellhouse.org/sobell-moonlight-stroll.