A STAGGERING £15,000 has been raised for Acorns by more than 200 walkers striding out across the Three Counties.

Glorious sunshine beat down on the band of travellers as they set out to complete all, or just one leg, of the 26-mile trek through Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire on Sunday, June 27.

Starting at Eastnor Castle in Ledbury, walkers as young as three took in stunning views along the way before flopping down on the grass for a hearty picnic at the finish line.

Quicker

Some made it back quicker than others but by 6.30pm, nine hours after the start, everyone was relishing the day's events and their efforts to raise money for Acorns.

"We're really pleased," said Acorns' fundraising co-ordinator, Emily Henton.

"It was just a godsend it wasn't the next day when it chucked it down."

The money will go towards building a £4m hospice for life-limited children and their families on the outskirts of Worcester, which is scheduled to open next year.