HUNDREDS of eager walkers took to the hills to raise money for St Richard's Hospice.

Around 700 took part in the event on Saturday, May 21, only a few less than the record-breaking turnout last year.

Those taking part were able to choose between routes of two, five or 11 miles.

"It was a great day out, even though it got a bit wet towards the end," said Marilyn Peachey, the hospice's fundraising director. "Everyone was in such good humour.

"It's too early to say what the total raised is, because it always takes a few weeks to get it all in."

Last year's walk raised £36,000 to fund the work of the Worcester-based hospice.

"We get the same people taking part again and again," said Marilyn. "A lot of them are from this area, but we also get regular participants who come up from London and the south to take part."

The charity is currently building a new £5.25m hospice and still needs to raise £1.05 million.