INTREPID walkers pulled on their sturdiest boots to take on a dawn-till-dusk trek in aid of St Richard’s Hospice.

A total of 130 ramblers strode out to walk the 31-mile Worcestershire Way in just one day, raising more than £30,000 to support hospice care around the county.

The route began in Bewdley at 6am and wound its way through the beautiful Worcestershire countryside before finishing with a challenging hike on the Malvern Hills.

Lunch was generously provided to hungry walkers by the Talbot Inn at Knightwick, where trained volunteer masseurs were also on hand to soothe participants’ tired muscles before they set off on the next leg of their journey.

Alison Parkes, fundraiser at St Richard’s, said: “This is one of our toughest challenges, so congratulations to everyone who took part.

“It was great to see so many people taking part. The team spirit and camaraderie on the day was fantastic.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have raised so much money for St Richard’s Hospice care, so thank you to everyone who got involved and helped out on the day.”

Among the teams taking part were groups of families and friends walking in memory of a loved one, while colleagues from companies across the county also took part. And accompanying many walkers were canine companions too.

The funds raised by will help support St Richard’s free care to patients living with life-limiting illnesses in Worcestershire. The event was sponsored by Carisson Properties.