SLEEPY residents in Bury St Edmunds would think they were still dreaming if they had peered out of their curtains in the early hours of Sunday morning.

SLEEPY residents in Bury St Edmunds would think they were still dreaming if they had peered out of their curtains in the early hours of Sunday morning.

An array of fancy dressed walkers, including bumbles bees, daffodils and chicken, were taking part in a five-mile charity event to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The first Moonlight Walk in Bury St Edmunds on Saturday.

The event began at 10pm with a warm-up led by the charity's mascot, a massive daffodil called Daffi.

The participants, many of whom wore fancy dress outfits, then set off on a route through the town.

The money raised will help the 38 Marie Curie nurses in Suffolk who enable people with cancer and other terminal illnesses to be cared for in their own homes.

Angela Bussey, community fundraising manager for Marie Curie in Suffolk and Norfolk, said: “It was a fantastic evening. We had more than 120 participants and most people were dressed up.

“There were people who came as bumble bees, some wore black and pink tutus, some dressed as daffodils and someone even came as a chicken.

“They really had a lot of fun. Even though we all got wet, there was a lot of laughter and people were enjoying themselves. We are now waiting to see how much money we have raised.

“I would like to say a big thank you to Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre for all their support.”

Marie Curie cares for around 50% of all cancer patients who die at home and every �20 raised pays for another hour of nursing.

The charity also operates nine hospices across the country.

For more information about the work they do or to register for other fundraising events, visit www.mariecurie.org.uk, e-mail info@mariecurie.org.uk or call 01284 747385.