AN UNUSUAL sight greeted people on a night out in Bury St Edmunds at the weekend as more than 500 pyjama-clad women marched through the streets.

With their colourful nightwear and bunny ears, the woman walked an 11-mile route through the town to raise money for St Nicholas Hospice Care.

And the fun girls’ night out raised a huge amount of money for the hospice, with cash counted so far already topping �87,000.

Jenny Baskett, challenges and events fundraiser at St Nicholas, said: “It was a wonderful night and I can only express my admiration for all those who took part and supported this event.

“Last year we raised �60,000 and this weekend will clearly be a great deal higher.

“The walk has developed into one of our major fundraising appeals and the money will make a vital difference to our work.”

All 550 walkers set off at 7pm from Bury’s Angel Hill after the ribbon was cut by 93-year-old Sophie Benson from Haverhill who went on to complete the charity walk.

Mrs Baskett added: “To all the people who bibbed their car horns and shouted encouragement form the pubs, and to ASDA for providing all the refreshments I would like to say a big thanks.”

For more information on the hospice go to www.stnicholashospice.org.uk.

jonathan.schofield@eadt.co.uk