Walkers were going for gold on Sunday helping to raise £20,000 at the record breaking 20th anniversary KM Charity Walk.

More than 400 participants across the county stepped out for 20 good causes with walkers donning yellow or gold clothing in keeping with the anniversary theme.

The fundraising total smashed last year’s event which raised £4,500.

Charities getting a welcome funding boost include this paper’s charity of the year, the Stacey Mowle Appeal, as well as Kent Scouts, Porchlight, Pilgrims Hospices, Kent Search and Rescue, British Lung Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Walkers included a group from Gravesend business Blue Fin who supported the Heart of Kent Hospice.

Grade II listed Georgian mansion Mote House in Maidstone provided the start and end point for the five and 10 mile circular routes. A garden party with barbecue and a trio of musicians in the mansion’s grounds entertained the triumphant walkers after they collected their medals and goody bags at the finish line.

Organiser Sophie Wallace, of the KM Charity Team, thanked Specsavers, Cotswold Outdoor Maidstone, Maidstone Ramblers, Mote House and Warburtons for backing the fundraiser.

She added: “The day had a fantastic atmosphere with a large turnout of happy walkers supporting many good causes across the county including our own.

“I’d particularly like to thank Del Cook and Ray Golland from the Maidstone Ramblers who have been a huge support in planning and running a very successful day.”

Organisations interested in finding out about sponsorship packages for the 2016 walk should contact Simon Dolby on 07989 164 752 or sdolby@thekmgroup.co.uk.

Other popular events run by the KM Charity Team now open for booking include the KM Assault Course Challenge on October 3.

To view video news footage on the walk or to book for a challenge event, visit www.kmcharityteam.co.uk.