WALKERS strode out to raise money for the Meningitis Trust on Sunday.

A total of more than 2,000 adults, children and dogs took part in the Five Valleys Walk, which is in its 23rd year.

Among those walking the whole 21-mile route was Birmingham City FC's goalkeeper Colin Doyle and his wife Rebecca, whose baby son Liam had meningitis recently.

Another participant was 11-year-old Teddy Townsend, who has ongoing problems with his legs after contracting the disease but walked some of the way on crutches.

Sue Davie, chief executive of the Meningitis Trust, said: “It was a fantastic day for us - we really felt the community rally round and support the event.

"I would like to say a personal thank you and congratulations to all those from the area, and further afield, who came along and got involved."

Money raised looks set to beat last year’s total of £55,000 but the charity is still counting up the final amount.

*A TEAM of cyclists, who took part in the walk, are now gearing up to complete ten days of cycling across Europe to raise money for the Meningitis Trust.

The event, called the Power of Ten Year (POTY), starts at 10am on Friday and finishes on Sunday, October 10.

Five cyclists aim to ride 100 miles a day, across ten countries, over ten days totalling 1,000 miles.

The team includes Phil Smart from Stroud, Keith Broadhurst from Upton St Leonards, Dan Barker from Leonard Stanley, Daniel Smart from Quedgeley, Danny Clifford from Newport and Alastair Smart from Bristol who will support the team.

To sponsor them go to www.justgiving.com/POTY *For more Five Valleys Walk pictures see tomorrow's SNJ.