MORE than 50 walkers accompanied by numerous four-legged companions joined a fundraiser taking in a scenic route.

Hannah Houstin-Lacey organised trekking through the Ellisfield bluebells in a bid to raise money and awareness for the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).

As well as being joined by walking enthusiasts, North East Hampshire MP, Ranil Jayawardena, and a former chair of the CPRE North Hampshire district group Peter Bedford also came along.

The walk took in seven miles of Hampshire countryside and ended with tea, cake and a raffle in Ellisfield Village Hall.

The event, which took place on Sunday, 22 April, managed to raise more than £2,400 for the charity which aims to protect, promote and enhance towns and countryside’s to make them better places to live for residents.

Hannah said: “This was such a happy social occasion with everyone pulling together to support a very worthwhile charity.

“There was a fabulous community spirit throughout the whole occasion with many friends supporting me as well.

“It was a glorious sunny day and the bluebells were magnificent, I never get tired of drinking in their sight and smell. We also saw the wild primrose, wood anemone and vibrant colours of the trees in spring – it was all fantastic.”

The CPRE is a cause close to Hannah’s heart as she is an active campaigner for the charity.

She added: “The countryside is precious. With a greater demand to build there is a real threat to our green spaces.

“I want to try and help protect it. Involvement with CPRE North Hampshire has been so worthwhile and provides that opportunity, to raise awareness of the charity generally and raise essential funds to support the charity’s work.”

For more information about the charity, go to cpre.org.uk.