Over 1,700 parish walkers can expect a mixed bag of weather today (Saturday), according to the Met Office at Ronaldsway.

A damp, drizzly and misty start is far from ideal, but weathermen say conditions will soon improve and it will become dry and brighten up.

Sunny intervals are expected by the afternoon, with the temperature rising to a warm 21 Celsius.

The Scottish Widows sponsored event has again attracted a record number of entries and, as usual, walkers of varying ability will be taking part.

The most serious competitors will be aiming to complete the full 85 mile course in under 16 hours, with others aiming for Rushen (19 miles) or Peel (32 miles).

Notable entries this year include former Olympian Roger Black and Jock Waddington, who has won the event for the past three years and is bidding to become the first person ever to make it four in a row.

There will be coverage of the Scottish Widows Parish Walk on Manx Radio, throughout the day.