Thousands set off from Derry on Chieftains Walk being held in memory of Martin McGuinness

Several thousand people have set off on a cross-border charity walk being held in memory of Martin McGuinness.

Mr McGuinness, former Deputy Minister in the North, passed away on 21 March last year after a short illness.

The walk is being held to raise funds for the North West Cancer Centre at Altnagelvin Hospital in and to raise awareness of amyloidosis, the rare condition Mr McGuinness the prominent Sinn Fein leader had been diagnosed with.

The walk left the Glenowen area of Derry this afternoon and is making its way to the ancient Grianan Fort in Burt in Donegal.

The seven-mile route was a favourite walk of the late Mr McGuinness.

Mr McGuinness's widow Bernie and members of his family are taking part.

Also participating are Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald, her predecessor Gerry Adams and Michelle O'Neill, Sinn Fein's leader in the North, MEP Martina Anderson, Foyle MP Elisha McCallion and Mayor of Derry, Cllr Maoliosa McHugh.

First Presbyterian Minister, Rev David Latimer, is also on the walk.

See tomorrow's Derry News for comprehensive photographic coverage of the walk.