Villa's female fans are being encouraged to sign up for the Acorns Midnight Walk, which is taking place in Birmingham next month.

Around 1,000 supporters of Villa's official charity partner Acorns Children's Hospice are set to take to come together for the colourful and exciting Midnight Walk through Birmingham on Saturday September 15.

The event brings atmosphere of fancy dress and fun to Birmingham's streets.

Hundreds of women in pink Midnight Walk t-shirts and fancy dress set off at the stroke of midnight from Victoria Square.

More than 1,500 ladies joined last year's walk.

Acorns Children's Hospice have started the countdown, and ladies from around the Midlands are being invited to sign up for the 10km female-only event.

Walkers start and finish in the city centre in Victoria Square, against the back drop of the moonlit Town Hall and Council House.

Walkers of all ages and abilities come together, through the Bullring, the Jewellery Quarter, St Philip's Cathedral and Brindleyplace.

Last year, participants celebrating a life, or remembering a loved one, raised much-needed funds to support local life limited and life threatened children and their families.

Acorns cares for 630 children who have life limiting or life threatening conditions and 880 families, including those that are bereaved.

There is no charge to families for using the services but it does cost £750 per day for each child's care.

Acorns urgently needs donations, relying on them for the majority of its income.

Staying up to take part in the Midnight Walk reminds people that a good night's sleep is a rare treat when caring for a life limited child.

Philippa Gay, Acorns' major events officer, said: "Ladies who are kind enough to give up part of their night, to raise funds for Acorns' care, do something truly wonderful - helping local families with life limited children, who depend on the support of Acorns, to cope with emotional, physical and financial challenges.

"Please sign up now to join us, and keep alight the spirit of community that we have seen during the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.

"We have walkers who come alone - they join up with fellow walkers.You can get together with female friends, colleagues and family to join in this exciting night."

Acorns also needs more than 100 men to volunteer on the evening of the walk to watch over the walkers and marshal the route, so please make contact and offer your support, which will be very welcome.

The Acorns Midnight Walk has the kind support of event sponsor First Personnel, and media partner Free Radio.

Linda Thornton, of First Personnel, said: "This is a brilliant night. Everyone has so much fun and raises vital funds for care for life limited children.

"We can't wait to take part, and we are looking forward to meeting everyone - we are just delighted to be involved in supporting Acorns' Midnight Walk."

Jo, of Free Radio, said: "The Midnight Walk is an emotional night. Free Radio's team is really proud to be involved in an amazing event where many local women come together to support such a worthwhile local cause."

For more information or to register, visit www.acorns.org.uk/midnightwalk

Alternatively call 0844 984 0405 or email events@acorns.org.uk