Rotary Commuity Charity Walk

Organised by Bexhill Rotary Club, the charity walk saw fundraisers tackle either a two, seven or 15 mile event for a charity of their choice.

Early estimates suggest over 30,000 has been raised.

Starting point for all the walks was St Richard's Catholic College, in Ashdown Road.

More than 70 volunteers helped the event run smoothly.

A full team of administrators registered people at 'base camp', while marshalls helped people along the cross-country and coastal routes.

With 57 entrants undertaking the 15-mile option, the Bexhill-Battle-Bexhill route saw its largest field yet.

Conditions were ideal, early morning mist giving way to a day of brilliant sunshine and with only the occasional boggy patch as a reminder of recent rain.

The orange juice and biscuits offered by Rotary volunteers at the check-points were much appreciated as the day quickly grew hotter.

The first walker arrived at the half-way check-point at the top of the 1066 battlefield just 90 minutes after Bexhill Rotary Club chairman Rotarian John Meadows and organising committee chairman Rotarian Harold Lawrence had sent the walkers on their way from the steps of St Richard's Catholic College at 9am.

Air Training Corps cadets in full uniform sang marching songs as they raised money for unit funds.

Volunteers from the home-visiting charity Homecall boosted the current appeal to save the cash-strapped local service with some plucky completions of the walk.

While most people opted for walking boots, someone plodded 15 cross-country miles in flip-flops.

Others were not so fortunate. A joker is believed to have swapped the direction arrows on a couple of the Rotarians' carefully-placed waymarkers.

As a result, some people went a round-about route, with reports of some drifting off-course as far as Catsfield.

However, by 4pm Rotary club "sweepers" were ensuring that the last of the weary but victorious were safely back to base.

St John Ambulance volunteers who provided cover for the day had only minor first-aid to administer.

The largest group of over 230 people took the seven-mile option.

The route saw them travel from Bexhill to Crowhurst and back again.

Later in the morning, dozens took to the promenade to enjoy the two-mile walk - including a large number of children and elderly residents.

Over 20 charities will benefit from the day. The largest single group was the 1066 Specials Football club - represented by over 50 walkers.

Organiser Harold Lawrence was delighted with the response.

He said: "It has been wonderful. The weather is perfect for walking and we have had a great turn-out.

"The registration process could have been a nightmare, but it has been well led by Sylvia Meadows and her team who need to be mentioned because they have done such a successful job. I also need to thank all the other people who have helped organise this including the marshalls, sweepers and St John Ambulance.

"It should help lots of different organisations and that's pleasing."