AROUND 280 walkers enjoyed a mixture of open views across north Hampshire in the Basingstoke Rotary Club Spring Walk, raising money for local charities.

This year's sponsored walk was organised by the club's immediate past president Rod Grevitt, who said walkers had a choice of two routes, one for six-and-a-half miles and the another a more challenging 11-and-a-half miles.

Mr Grevitt said: "It was a great day. We estimate that about £17,000 has been raised and that at least 24 charities will certainly benefit from the walk.

"We had quite a few walkers being sponsored for Naomi House Children's Hospice, Odiham Cottage Hospital and St Michael's Hospice."

Mr Grevitt said he is waiting for all the sponsorship money to come in before he knows how much money has been raised.

He said: "Please return your sponsorship money with a cheque made payable to the Rotary Club of Basingstoke. We will take 10 per cent, which will go to Rotary charities, with the balance going to the charity of your choice."

Rotarian and former Basingstoke mayor Alan Turner joined other participants by starting at Cottington's Hill, near Freemantle Park, at Hannington, on April 13.

He took the shorter route, so that he could make the most of the good weather and enjoy a spot of gardening in the afternoon.

He said: "The weather was great and I thoroughly enjoyed the walk. The scenery was absolutely beautiful with the sun shining and there was an excellent barbecue at the end."

Alf Marriott, from Sherborne St John, also took advantage of the sunny weather.

He said: "I came out for a bit of fresh air and to enjoy a lovely day out with friends and neighbours."