Next month's Epsom and Ewell Round the Borough Walk has been recognised by the London 2012 Inspire programme.

The walk has been given an inspire mark by the programme, which recognises innovative and exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Round the Borough Walk aims to encourage residents to get active and to challenge themselves to a 20 mile route around the borough's most beautiful open spaces, who can complete the walk at some time in 2012.

Areas on the route include Epsom and Walton Downs, Epsom Common local nature reserve, Nonsuch Park, the Hogsmill local nature reserve and Horton Country Park local nature reserve.

On May 12, the council is inviting residents to walk the full 20 mile route on the day of its launch to raise funds for charity.

The walk is estimated to take six to nine hours, depending on speed and length of breaks and participants are being encouraged to raise money for their own or for the mayor’s charities.

The mayor, Councillor Sheila Carlson, said: "The Round the Borough Walk is a great opportunity for all our residents to look at how lucky we are to live and work in such a beautiful place and to be a part of the Borough's 75th anniversary celebrations.

"The open spaces in Epsom and Ewell are an environment that many people can only dream about and yet we take them for granted.

"I hope as many people as possible can join me for this 20 mile stroll and rediscover the beauty and the history (and some of the pubs) of this fantastic part of the country."

Lord Sebastian Coe, chair of the London organising committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: "The Inspire programme is ensuring the legacy of the 2012 Games starts now, projects like the Round the Borough Walk are enabling people to make positive life changes."

Those taking part on May 12 must register via the council website on www.epsom-ewell.gov.ukor or by requesting a paper copy of the registration form from the leisure developments team at the town hall.