Hundreds of people pulled on their walking boots and braved the heat to make strides for charity.

The 37th Orwell Walk, organised by the Ipswich East Rotary Club, has become a firm fixture in the calendar and was this year boosted with the first-ever Orwell Ride.

More than 1,000 people took part in this year’s fundraiser with 70 signing up for the cycle ride setting off from Gainsborough Sports Centre today.

Walkers had the choice of several distances with the most adventurous taking on the largest circuit tackling 25 miles.

Andrew Robertson was the first to complete the 25-mile course in a time of three hours and 22 minutes in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).

The 34-year-old, from St Matthew’s Street in Ipswich, said: “I have a friend whose little girl uses EACH a lot and they have been such a great support to the family.

“So far I have raised £240 and I’m really pleased with that as every little helps.”

The walk formed part of Mr Robertson’s personal challenge to run 1,000 miles in a year, called Run 1000, in aid of charity Cancer of Unknown Primary.

Walkers and cyclists each received a drink bottle from event sponsors Healthy Ambitions and a medal for their efforts.

Steve Flory, president of Ipswich East Rotary Club, said: “It was a hugely successful day and very sociable.

“The weather was certainly on our side and it was so nice to see so many people from Ipswich and beyond taking part this year, in our 37th year.”

This year’s event raised more than £60,000 not including the amounts raised by each individual for charity. Since the first event in 1977, thousands of walkers have raised around £1.3million for good causes.