Walkers stepped up to the plate to raise money for elderly care home residents, then stepped up to the plate again for a post-walk barbecue.

Supporters of Abbeyfield Kent Society took part in a seven-mile trek through Gravesend before recovering at a barbecue at Watling Court care home in Ifield Way, Gravesend.

They were among thousand of walkers around the county who raised £4,500 for the Wish Appeal, an Abbeyfield initiative to grant wishes for residents such as a meal at their favourite restaurant or a visit to their home town.

Chief executive of The Abbeyfield Kent Society, Leon Steer said: “The Society is incredibly proud and grateful to everyone who gave up their time and got involved with the sponsored walks.

"Sadly, a number of our residents do not have time on their side so we are grateful that so many people stepped up to help us raise this huge sum of money within only weeks of launching the appeal, allowing us to start granting wishes instantly.”

To donate to the appeal visit www.justgiving.com/abbeyfieldkent or text ‘WISH05’ followed by the amount to 70070, eg ‘WISH05 £10’.