FUNDRAISERS put their best foot forward to help out a hospice.

St. Michael’s Hospice held its annual Farleigh Wallop Woodland Walk on the grounds of the prestigious Portsmouth Estate on Sunday, with 500 people walking either a five or 10-mile route to help raise more than £11,000 for the cause.

Walkers set off from the Portsmouth Estate in the morning, taking in stunning views of the Hampshire countryside including historic woodland, rolling fields and the first of the spring bluebells, before returning to the estate’s Home Barn to enjoy a well-earned cream tea.

Laura Hughes, events manager at St. Michael’s Hospice said: “We were delighted with the response from our supporters this year with all 500 places selling out in advance. We enjoyed a fantastic atmosphere on the day, with people of all ages along with dogs of all shapes and sizes excited to set off and explore the beautiful private estate.

"We are extremely grateful to everyone who supported our event including all our walkers, our volunteers, the Basingstoke Ramblers, The Fox Inn, Hampshire and Berkshire 4 x 4 Response and Lord and Lady Portsmouth and Viscount Lymington for generously allowing the use of their estate as well as local businesses including Lavazza, Projected Image and Site Equip who all provided their services free of charge.

"Without them it would not have been possible to organise such a successful event which will help us to continue to deliver our specialist care and support to local people living with life limiting illness."