Walkers shook off the Sunday morning cobwebs to participate in a nine mile jaunt around a south Norfolk country estate to raise money for East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH).

Harleston Lions organised the event, which attracted 55 walkers who followed a course taking them around the Gawdy Hall estate near Harleston, including the hall's 32 hectare Big Wood, which is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Starston Wood and then back to the start at Gawdy Hall via Wortwell and Alburgh.

The SSSI wood is protected because it is home to medieval earthworks, including a double and single moat dating back to the 13th century, while there are also many rare plants and mosses.

Last year, the annual walk raised £3,570 for the fight against Parkinson's disease.

Lions member Val Tolhurst said: 'The number taking part is slightly down on last year, possibly because of the damp conditions, but it is still a good turnout.'