Dozens of people donned their walking boots to raise £60,000 for a Kenton based charity.

Some 74 walkers trekked through the beautiful countryside and historic towns and villages from Epping to Harwich to raise the money for St Luke's Hospice.

St Luke’s Annual Long Distance Walk – The Poppy Walk took place from April 29 to May 3 with the group either completing the full 81-mile stretch or taking on a shorter distance challenge over the same weekend.

Husband and wife, Neil and Pam Russell, walked the full 81-mile distance.

Mr Russell said: "The walk isn't something to embark on lightly - taking part in the training walks is essential preparation as well as enabling you to meet the others you will be walking with over the weekend.

"The group of people on the walk provide great support, encouragement and humour. Laughter is a great medicine to ease those aching feet and legs."

Mrs Russell added: "As a first time walker I enjoyed everything about the experience: the fantastic scenery, the encouragement, advice and support from the other walkers, the welcome tea van at lunchtime, and the friendly pub stops at the end of the day.

"Well, almost everything – I could have done without the blisters – 81 miles is a long way. As a terrible map reader and quite a slow walker it was very reassuring to know that there was always a friendly ‘sweeper’ to set you right if you went wrong, and an efficient back up team to get you to and from the start of the walk every day."

The five-day sponsored walk went through ancient woodlands, open farmland, tree lined river valleys and leafy green lanes, visiting historic towns and villages along the way.

The final stretch took walkers through salt marshes and to the sea at the historic port of Harwich.

Collectively, the 74 walkers have pledged more than £60,000 for St Luke’s Hospice.

To find out more about St Luke’s 2017 Annual Walk, or to sign up, contact Emma on 020 8382 8023 or email emmau@stlukes-hospice.org.