MORE than 900 people put their best foot forward to raise money for Sue Ryder.

They took part in the popular annual Starlight Hike Worth Valley.

Many were participating in memory of loved ones.

Fancy dress, flashing headwear and neon face paint could be seen in abundance as entrants assembled at Oxenhope Station.

A Starlight Express train then took the hikers to the start for a marshalled walk – following a route through villages, countryside and the Manorlands hospice grounds, where people had the opportunity to place a poignant dedication in honour of someone special to them.

This year, for the first time, a five-kilometre walk was offered alongside the traditional 10k route.

Everyone who took part in the hike, which was once again sponsored by Stirk Lambert & Co Accountants, received a medal.

It's expected the event will raise over £70,000 once all sponsorship money has been collected.

Hayley Ibbotson, senior community fundraiser at Manorlands, says it was an "incredible" evening.

She adds: "Thanks so much to everyone who took part. It was amazing to see everybody shining bright in dazzling outfits and spectacular accessories, celebrating the memory of their loved ones while helping to raise funds so that Sue Ryder continues to be there when it matters.

"We are also extremely grateful for the support of our dedicated team of volunteers and marshals, as well as our long-term headline sponsor Stirk Lambert & Co Accountants, and the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway for once again putting on the magical Starlight Express train. We appreciate all the businesses and individuals that contribute to the event in so many ways and help make the night such a roaring success.

"If you couldn’t sign up for this year’s hike, there are still plenty of ways you can support Sue Ryder.

"For inspiration, visit sueryder.org/fundraise or contact the Manorlands hospice fundraising team on manorlands.fundraising@sueryder.org or 01535 640430.

"Our Sue Ryder teams work tirelessly to ensure our patients' symptoms and pain are managed so that the end of people’s lives can instead be filled with friendship, family and love in those final moments together."

Richard Hudson, of Stirk Lambert & Co Accountants, said the firm was "really proud" to sponsor the event for a seventh year.

He added: "Sue Ryder is a charity which provides invaluable support to so many people in our community."

More about Sue Ryder events can be found at sueryder.org/support-us/fundraise/events.