LEAP YEAR walkers braved Storm Jorge as they raised more than £6,000 for the Wessex Cancer Trust.

Despite the rain, wind and sleet, more than 50 Liberal Democrat councillors from Winchester and Chandler's Ford took part in a 17 mile walk across the constituency in a bid to raise money for the struggling local charity, the Wessex Cancer Trust.

This took place on the "Leap Day" on Sunday February 29 and involved councillors from every ward in Winchester and Chandler's Ford.

Winchester City Councillor Paula Ferguson said: “We chose February 29 for the walk because we wanted to use the extra leap year day to give something back. I had hoped for a cold, crisp, dry day, not Storm Jorge! At lunchtime the sun did come out, but we mainly walked through rain, sleet and high winds, waded through ankle-deep mud and in places balanced on planks to get over the River Itchen where it had burst its banks.

"But it was all worth it. Raising over £6,000 for the Wessex Cancer Trust was a great way to use the extra day. We’d like to thank everyone who made a donation and supported us.”

Chandler’s Ford Councillor, Tim Groves, added: “We chose to raise money for the Wessex Cancer Trust because they’re a local charity working across the Constituency. Sadly, cancer now touches almost all of us and the Wessex Cancer Trust is there for anyone who needs them. Initially we’d set a target to raise £4,000 and I am really delighted that we’ve beaten that so resoundingly.”

The group set off at 8am from Alresford and walked via Easton to Winchester, through Shawford and Otterbourne and finally into Chandler's Ford, which they reached at around 6pm.

Sofie Bennett from the Wessex Cancer Trust said: “Usually charity walks take place in the spring or summer when the weather’s good, so I take my hat off to the local Lib Dems for braving Storm Jorge. When I met up with them, they were a bit wet and muddy but always smiling. I can’t thank Paula Ferguson, Tim Groves, Yvette Riley and Sam Dalling enough for organising the event in aid of the Wessex Cancer Trust.”

To find out more about the walk or to make a donation, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/wincfldwalk