A small but determined group of sponsored walkers battled the elements to raise cash for two good causes.

A former star of Coronation Street was among the 11-strong party that trekked 14 miles from Halifax to Haworth in very wet conditions.

Organiser Anne Marie Cartwright said it had been planned to involve more participants, but added that some had to pull out due to a bereavement, while others were put off by the bad weather.

But she said those who did take part enjoyed themselves and that everyone managed to complete the route.

She said they were treated to excellent food and refreshments at Haworth Social Club at the end of the walk, on Sunday afternoon.

The event raised money for Manorlands hospice and Project Challenge, which gives troubled youngsters a second chance. Ms Cartwright, who lives in Halifax but is planning to move to Keighley, said the cash collected is still being counted.

She said the soap star who agreed to take part was actor Bruce Jones, who played the part of Les Battersby.

“He was a really down-to-earth guy,” she said. “He got very wet but still said he’d be up for doing the walk again next time. He was such a laugh and he put everyone at ease.

“It rained all day, it was coming down quite heavily over the moors, and we were a bit like drowned rats. But everybody had a good time and we knew that we were ultimately doing this to help other people.”

The group was sponsored by Esso garage, in Halifax, and also backed by the mayor of Calderdale, Nader Fekri. Mr Fekri, a former Keighley parliamentary candidate, attended the beginning of the event and accompanied the walkers part of the way.