Blisters were a small inconvenience compared with the feeling of achievement for those who completed the Kent Messenger 50-mile walks.

The popular events attracted thousands of entrants during the 1960s despite their gruelling length, and many wore their blisters as badges of honour at the end.

The walks attracted plenty of entrants in fancy dress, as this Kent Messenger picture, taken from the book Images of Maidstone, shows. Those completing the walk that year were greeted at the finish line by Mayor of Maidstone and editor-in-chief of the Kent Messenger, H.R. Pratt Boorman.

Ted Cheek, known as Eddie, was one of those who completed a walk from Margate to Maidstone in 1965, aged 19.

He said: “Along the way, there was much giggling and shouting in the hedgerows and bushes that line the road. Arriving at Canterbury, we were given a hot drink and my mates, who I had lent my Lambretta 200 scooter to, waited for me to see if I needed anything on the walk.”

However, Mr Cheek said by the time he had reached Ashford, at 9am, he had developed huge blisters and dispatched a friend to East Malling to get a spare pair of shoes and socks.

“I started walking from Ashford to Maidstone along the old A20 road in my bare feet, looking out for my mate on the way. He finally saw me at Harrietsham, limping along but still going. I put on the new shoes and carried on towards Maidstone, finally arriving 13 hours and 10 minutes later.”

However, the experience didn’t mean the young Mr Cheek wanted to put his feet up for the night. He said: “I went home, showered, changed, and we all went out to the Star Hotel disco night in Pudding Lane, chuffed to pieces that I’d walked that walk. We danced until midnight, then I headed home and went to sleep a shattered and tired young man.

“I enjoyed the walk tremendously, even after the blisters, and was ready to take part again the following year.”

Brian Ashby, now of Barr Road, Gravesend, also remembers the walks vividly.

He said: “I wonder how many people remember the 50-mile walks your paper organised?

“I entered and was pleased to complete all five walks and still have the original certificates presented by your paper. I wonder how many of us are still around who completed all five?”