The Island’s Civil Defence Unit is gearing up for this weekend’s Clerical Medical Parish Walk.

Volunteers will be on hand around the course to provide communication and first aid back up and have met a podiatrist for advice on how to deal with blisters and other common foot injuries.

They will also light the way for competitors walking through the night by setting up generators and floodlights at Andreas church, St Jude’s crossroads and the finish area near the war memorial on Douglas promenade.

The unit has been re-engaged in the event for the first time in a number of years due to a series of new logistical challenges.

The main focus has been on working in partnership with other agencies and medical support staff, such as St John Ambulance, to improve safety for the record entry of 1,598.