NEARLY 600 people took part in this year's Starlight Hike for Manorlands.

Hours of soggy weather last Saturday (Sept 3) eased off later in the day, making life easier for the many entrants who came forward to complete the 10km fundraising hike around the Worth Valley.

The evening began at Oxenhope Railway Station, where participants – some of whom turned up in fancy dress – were treated to music, stalls entertainment and a warm-up.

Walkers then boarded the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway's Starlight Express train which transported them to Oakworth, where the actual trek started.

Fundraisers followed a well-marshalled route through Oakworth and Haworth then back towards Oxenhope.

This featured the Starlight Avenue – which is within the grounds of the hospice – where walkers could hang a star dedicated to the life of a loved one.

Senior hospice fundraiser Hayley Ibbotson said: "Everything went really well. It was a bit damp to start off with but the weather cleared up. We just had a few rain showers at the back end of the night.

"Most people managed to get round the whole course. We don't know how much it has raised yet, but we're hopeful this will have been another very successful event.

"More than 570 people entered, and we had people registering to take part on the night itself.

"We did well considering that we held the hike three weeks earlier than last year's, and it was also on the weekend before the kids go back to school.

"We are really indebted to the railway who did everything free of charge. They made sure that so much was sorted for us – and I know that managing the logistical side of things is quite a challenge.

"Our marshals were absolutely incredible, without them we would not have been able to hold the event.

"I'd like to thank everyone who was involved. It is a challenging time to fundraise so events such as these do give us a big boost.

"People love taking part and it's a great way of getting everyone together."

Headline sponsor for the 2016 hike – now in its ninth year – was Stirk Lambert & Co Accountants.

Among the walkers this year was BBC weather forecaster Paul Hudson, who is originally from Keighley.

At the end of the route everyone who finished it received a goody bag and hot sandwich.

Hayley added that Christmas lights were switched on early in Oxenhope's Rose Garden last weekend, in honour of the Starlight Hikers.