The annual Isle of Wight Walking Festival will have a new title sponsor this year.

Exodus Travels, a leading provider of small group walking holidays, has signed up to support the event and as part of the sponsorship, will be offering participants the chance to win one of their amazing holidays to Italy.

Organised by the Isle of Wight Council, the Walking Festival is the biggest of its kind in Europe and is now in its fifteenth year.

It takes place from May 4 to 19 and a full programme of walks will be published in next month.

Elaine Cesar, Isle of Wight Council senior events officer said; "I am very happy to welcome Exodus Travels as the Walking Festival's official sponsor.

"By having a firm which is well known for providing walking holidays supporting the festival, I have no doubt the popularity of the event with increase even further."

Ben Roseveare, marketing director from Exodus Travels said: "We are really excited to be sponsoring the 2013 Isle of Wight Walking Festival.

"It is a great fit with Exodus as the UK’s leading provider of worldwide small group walking holidays, and the Isle of Wight Walking Festival as the largest in Europe.

"I look forward to many special moments at the festival this year, from launching dedicated Exodus walks to organising a special evening event. We can't wait to get involved."

The firm will also sponsor individual walks during the event, with goody bags for those taking part.