Walkers taking part in a 100-mile trek from Bath to Bighton, in Hampshire, have helped raise a mammoth £17,000 for charity.

Sixth in a series of annual walks, the hike was organised by Tony Maxse, of Selborne.

Starting at the American Museum, the route took the walkers via Bradford-on-Avon, Great Chalfield and the Kennet & Avon Canal up onto the Marlborough Downs and the Cherhill Monument.

Continuing past Avebury and the hillfort at Martinsell, they came to the Kennet & Avon again before passing Inkpen Beacon.

The route then went past the source of the Test and through Jane Austen country to the church at Steventon.

On Sunday, in glorious weather, there was a picnic in the spectacular setting of The Grange, before 85 walkers set off on the final leg to Bighton and a splendid tea laid on by Gina Tufnell, whose husband, Wynne, had led the walkers for the full 100 miles.

Among the beneficiaries are a cancer research project at the Marsden Hospital, the Children's Hospice South West and the Elizabeth Foundation, Cosham, which teaches very young deaf children to talk.

Sponsorship money is still coming in and will be added to the £17,000 raised so far before it is divided between the charities.

At the tea, Tony said this year had broken many records. Sixteen people did the full 100 miles and over 200 took part at some stage.

He thanked all the many supporters and in particular all the drivers who drove walkers back at the end of the day.

He paid tribute to Wynne and Gina Tufnell for their splendid hospitality, to the Bristol and Bath committee of the Children's Hospice and the committee of Tiggy Sutton, Romy Parsons, Susie Corbett, Liz Butler and Harriett Novell.