Walkers raised money for good causes on Saturday by taking a long distance stroll through the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

A dozen participants walked either the entire or part of a 14 -mile route cross country from Bures to Dedham through some of the finest landscape in the country.

The event was called the Mayor’s Walk - a joint initiative run by the Dedham Vale AONB and the major of Colchester. Walkers were sponsored for their efforts with proceeds going to the Stour Valley Environment Fund and the Mayor’s Charities, which include the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance and the Colchester Hospital Cancer Centre Campaign.

Colchester major, councillor Peter Chillingworth, said the event chimed well with his theme for the year, which is Town meets Country.

He added: “I strongly believe that exercise is linked to good health. What better way to raise money for charity than to walk through the Dedham Vale.

One participant, Jonathan Cordingly raised over £600 through the event.

He said: “I love walking and I saw that they were all good causes, so I decided to give it a go.”

Also on the walk was chairman of the Dedham Vale AONB, Nigel Chapman who said:”It’s been a great to get out and see all the good work that is being done to conserve and enhance the AONB.”