HUNDREDS of people took on a hefty physical challenge to raise thousands for charity.

Organised by The Rotary Club of Romsey Test, the annual Walk The Test Way event attracted a record number of participants, with around 700 people taking on the route.

More than 240 of those taking part started their day at 7am, with the task of trekking 25.5miles from St Mary Bourne to Romsey Memorial Park.

The walk is the fourteenth annual event, with last year’s raising almost £85,000 for charities.

And although the distance may have put some people off, participants also had the option of starting at one of the four other starts, with the nearest at Mottisfont Church, five miles away.

As part of the event, walkers were tasked with raising sponsorship for their favourite charity or cause, with some of the benefitting charities including the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, Mountbatten Music Academy and Cancer Research UK.

Organiser of the event Sandy Dunn congratulated those who took part.

"It has been a fantastic event," he said.

"We have had a record number of walkers come through - the final donation number is going to be big.

"It was also great to see the different mix of those taking part, with families, old people, and youngsters."

Rotary Club of Romsey Test member Neil Beasley added: "It has been a very good day with perfect weather and perfect conditions.

"We registered about 50 more walkers than last year.

"We will definitely be back next year."

Local dignitaries also took part in the event, including MP for Romsey and Southampton North Caroline Nokes who also helped to present medals to participants.