MORE than 3,500 people took part in the 2007 Kent Charity Walk at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park near Hythe.

The 10-mile walk, organised and sponsored by the Kent Messenger Group and Shepherd Neame, began and ended at the animal park, with the route following the Saxon Shore Way and the Royal Military Canal.

All the money raised will go to 10 hospices around the county.

Each walker was given a passport, which was stamped at each station and exchanged for a certificate and drink voucher at the finish line.

Events manager at Port Lympne, Eddie Hill, said: “A lot of hard work has gone into organising the day it but everyone has had a fantastic time and we hope to have raised a lot of money for the hospices.

“People have come from far and wide to join in the walk and friends and families get together especially for the day.”

An African dance band provided musical entertainment and a Scottish piper was there to greet walkers as they reached the finish.

Soldiers from 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment, based at Brompton Barracks, Chatham, and cadets from the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment helped walkers find their way around the course.