THIS year's Malvern Hills Challenge in aid of military charity Help for Heroes was once again a great success, with 340 participants, plus 65 dogs, taking part.

And the walkers' efforts paid off, with over £12,000 raised for the cause so far, and with money still coming in.

The event was blessed with good weather, and participants gathered on the Priory Road car park for coach transport to the starting points at Bromsberrow for the 18km route and British Camp for the 9km route.

Both routes finished at Priory Park, where participants were greeted by Malvern mayor Cynthia Palmer, who presented them with medals and certificates. Dogs taking part were given their own rosettes.

Gordon Waddell, one of the organisers, said: "The challenge has never been a walk in the park, and several entrants later confessed to underestimating its length and the severity of the 3,091 feet of climbs, especially on the southern half.

"Though the weather was almost perfect for a day in the hills with dry conditions underfoot, good footwear was a must.

"Our congratulations go to all the walkers with a special thank-you to our sponsors, especially Bovis Homes, Malvern College and WHS Toolhire.

"We mustn’t forget the 24 Help for Heroes volunteers who made the whole thing possible, the Severn Area Rescue Association for providing the essential first aid and rescue cover and the Worcester Troop of B Company Hereford and Worcester Battalion Army Cadet Force.

"The latter in particular undertook the essential task of manning the check points and helping walkers stay on route while providing a smart military flavour to the event.

"It was quite a day with plenty of excitement but at the end also plenty of smiling faces and not a little sweat."

It’s not too late to make a contribution via justgiving.com/teams/Help-for-Heroes-Malvern-Hills-Challenge-2018.