Thousands join in sponsored walk

Carnival fever gripped Bridgnorth as thousands of people turned out to cheer on hundreds of competitors taking part in the town's 44th annual sponsored walk.

A variety of stalls, a food fair and a party atmosphere greeted the walkers as they completed the 22-mile challenge in the town's High Street yesterday afternoon.

And local pubs, cafes and restaurants also staged special promotions to coincide with the event.

Course

Entrants came from as far away as London, Southampton, Weymouth and Newcastle-upon-Tyne to take part in the charity event.

Well-wishers packed the town centre to cheer the walkers on at the start and welcome them back to the town after the gruelling journey to Brown Clee and back.

For junior walkers, the course was a little less challenging – seven miles from Ditton Priors Village Hall to Brown Clee and back.

Organisers said it was hoped that more than £100,000 would be raised for various local and national charities and the official results were expected to be announced later today.

The event has been held annually since 1967 and in total more than £1 million has been collected for charities.

The walk was officially started by Bridgnorth mayor Councillor Val Gill, who also took part in the event.

Organisers said that more than 1,000 walkers had taken part in this year's event which was well supported by residents who packed the town centre throughout the day.