More than 500 local women stepped out at midnight on Saturday to tackle the sponsored six-and-a-half or 13-mile trek which covered a circular route around Glass Houghton and Castleford.

Nikki Hinman, hospice fundraising manager said: "Sponsorship money pledged so far stands at £39,282.90, which would make it the highest earning event the hospice has ever had.

"We are now asking walkers to please get their sponsorship money into the hospice as soon as possible.

"The walk was a massive success for the hospice and we have no doubt that we will hold it again next year."

Walkers, wearing special event t-shirts, gathered at Junction 32 shopping centre in Glass Houghton before the start of the walk, where they were entertained by a fire juggler and given a short aerobic warm-up session by Jenna Belwood from Xscape's Xercise gym.

Nikki added: "The atmosphere was incredible, it was an amazing to see more than 500 walkers supporting the hospice.

"Thanks to everyone who was involved, the walkers for their incredible effort, the volunteers and marshals, Junction 32 and all the companies that supported us by either corporate sponsorship or donating items for goody bags."

At the end of the trek the walkers were presented with a special medal and given a free McDonald's breakfast.

The walker who raises the most sponsorship could win a pamper package donated by Xercise gym. To claim the prize, sponsorship money needs to be with the hospice by August 30. For more information call the hospice fundraising team on 01977 781480.