A fantastic record-breaking £275,000 has been raised from the annual Girls’ Night Out midnight walk of 2017.

Thousands of women took part in the event, in Bury St Edmunds, lighting up the streets of the town wearing their pyjamas and flashing bunny ears and at the same time boosting the funds of St Nicholas Hospice Care.

The final total was announced this week and the charity paid thanks to everyone who had taken part or supported the annual walk, which will celebrate its 10th birthday when it returns on Saturday, September 8.

Jenny Smith, the hospice’s events manager, said: “Every year I am truly shocked and humbled by the level of support Girls’ Night Out receives. Without our walkers, volunteers, supporters and sponsors the event would not have grown into the occasion it has.

“To be able to say everyone’s efforts have resulted in such an amazing amount is something I am incredibly proud of. This year will be the walk’s 10th year and I hope as many women as possible will be able to join us to help us celebrate this milestone.”

The figure of £275,000 is made-up of the money walkers raised as well as generous support and sponsorship from local businesses including main sponsor J M Finn, who will also be the event’s main sponsor this year.

Brett Bayliss, investment director and head of the Bury St Edmunds branch of J M Finn, said: “We are so proud to be able to help and be associated with the Girls’ Night Out – the amount raised is testament to both the quality of work that the hospice does and the tremendous community spirit that exists in the area.”

The efforts of 2017’s Girls’ Night Out walkers, some 2,188 who donned their flashing bunny ears while completing either 11.2 or six miles around a Bury on September 9, will pay for around 25 days of hospice care.

Charlie De-Moore, the hospice’s events fundraiser, said: “Girls Night Out is the hospice’s biggest fundraising event and the whole evening has a real party atmosphere.”

Registration for the 2018 event opens on Friday, March 30 and as in previous year’s walkers will be able to sign up at a discounted early price of £10 until May 31. With all entries after this date costing £15.