Kent and Medway walkers were going for gold on Sunday raising £20,000 at the record breaking 20 anniversary KM Charity Walk.

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

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

Charities getting a welcome funding boost included Kent Scouts, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Porchlight, Pilgrims Hospices, Kent Search and Rescue, British Lung Foundation, Kent Lung Awareness Charity, Macmillan Cancer Support and Heart of Kent Hospice.

Friends, families, rambling groups and business teams from across the county took part for their favourite charities. The oldest participant was 78 year old Allen Earn from Sittingbourne and the youngest was four year old Alyssa Yeung from Thanet. The best fancy dress award went to the Triumph for Tomas team of Medway who dressed as minions from the film Despicable Me.

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 barbeque and live music in the mansion’s grounds entertained the walkers after they collected their medals and goody bags at the finish line.

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

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.

Find out more about the team at www.kmcharityteam.co.uk.