Charity supporters were the life and sole of Ribble Valley on Saturday as they took part in the popular annual pub walk for East Lancashire Hospice.

More than 400 people enjoyed a day of pub hopping in the sunshine – all in aid of the charity which provides care for patients with life-limiting illnesses from Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley.

The Ribble Valley Pub Walk, organised by The Rotary Club of Ribblesdale, is now in its fourth year, has continued to grow in size and following and this year was the biggest yet.

Each year East Lancashire Hospice needs to raise £3.7M to enable it to provide care and all money raised by the walkers will help to ensure the hospice’s future. The first three events raised a combined £40,000 and organisers are hoping for an even bigger total this time.

This year, there was an option of a 10 or 12.5 mile route – taking in 11 pubs along the way: The Dog Inn, the De Lacy Arms, The Swan Hotel, Jack’s of Whalley and Forum Bar; The Eagle at Barrow, Edisford Bridge, The Red Pump Inn at Bashall Eaves; The Three Fishes and The Aspinall Arms at Mitton finishing at the Dog Inn.

The first walkers set off at 11am armed with maps, with the remaining participants stepping out on staggered starts to space out the crowds.

Supporters were able to choose whether they wanted to stop for a drink in every pub or just walk the course. Everyone who took part received an official Ribble Valley Pub Walk t-shirt, sponsored by Wave Internet.

Barry Wood, president nominee for the Rotary Club of Ribblesdale, was delighted with the turn out.

He said: “The event brought together young and old to help the hospice continue its vital work with people of all ages taking part.

“It’s always a great day out for everyone taking part and the weather has been glorious. East Lancashire Hospice is a brilliant place and everything they do for patients and families is so positive and this is the Rotary Club’s chance to say thank you and offer our support.”

Leanne Green, Event Fundraiser for the hospice, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to those involved in this year’s Ribble Valley Pub Walk. I’m sure everyone will agree that it was a great day out and a very enjoyable way to raise money for a local charity, close to so many people hearts .

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Barry Wood and The Rotary Club of Ribblesdale for organising the event. We would also like to thank Ribble FM for entertaining everyone before they set off on their way, The Deputy Mayor of the Ribble Valley and to our sponsors Wave Internet and FS Accountants and to everyone who has taken part to raise sponsorship that will go towards helping us to care for our patients .”