BENEVOLENT walkers turned out in their droves on Friday evening in support of the work of a hospice in Minchinhampton.

Hundreds of people took on the Walk for Longfield, completing either a 5km or 10km route raising money for Longfield Hospice which supports people across the county with life-limiting illnesses.

Among the generations of families taking on the hikes was the Robinson family from Dursley, for whom the walk has become an annual family event.

“It’s a nice way to remember loved ones we have lost and a proactive way of helping,” said Joanna Robinson.

More than 300 people took part in the walk across Minchinhampton Common and it is hoped that the event will have raised more than £3,000.

Every year Longfield supports and cares for more than 900 people with life-limiting illnesses and their families in Gloucestershire. All of its services are provided free of charge.

“Events like this are really crucial for us because we rely very heavily on our community to help raise money and raise awareness of the services we provide,” said Andrew Fletcher, chief executive of Longfield.

“Without them and without events like this we couldn’t provide the care and support that we do across Gloucestershire.”

After the walk, families enjoyed live music, home-cooked food, a bar and children’s entertainment.

People also left messages and tributes to loved ones in the charity’s memory garden.