HUNDREDS of fundraisers laced up their hiking boots for the annual walk from Winchester to Salisbury in aid of a children’s hospice charity.

The Naomi House and Jacksplace’s Clarendon Way Walk saw more than 800 walkers either take part in the challenging 26-mile trek,or a shorter 12-mile route starting in Broughton, with money raised going to help life-limited and life-threatened children and young adults across the south.

Starting in the grounds of Winchester Cathedral, the walkers first received a blessing from the Dean of Winchester and a motivating speech from BBC South Today’s Sally Taylor.

It was expected more than £135,000 would be raised through the event, which has, over the past 12 years, raised more than £1 million for the charity.

Keith Wilson, from the fundraising team, said: “There’s something so very special about the Clarendon Way Walk, and today was no exception. It is a challenging event but one with an unrivalled sense of camaraderie as you’re walking with hundreds of people that share your same goal. We are incredibly grateful to all those who took part in our 12th Clarendon Way Walk and raised a staggering amount of money to help us deliver exceptional care for children and young people on good days, difficult days and last days.”