AROUND 100 people braved heavy rain as they walked from Burnley to Blackpool to raise money for a women's support group.

The Walk with Lancashire Women's Centre event saw the men and women travel the 42-mile journey across two days, visiting each of the organisation's five centres across the county.

Mums, sisters, daughters, dads, brothers and friends took part in the event.

The group, which was set up in 1985, provides to provide support for women's mental health and wellbeing, women at risk and help them gain skills, training and employment.

Emily Bowes, 30, who took part in the walk with her seven-month-old son, Alexander, said: "The conditions meant everyone was really wet but we had a lot of fun.

"Everyone has been in high spirits and showed a lot of togetherness and camaraderie.

"Alexander was very good, I think he enjoyed the nice long trip out."

The team walked from Burnley to Accrington, then onto Blackburn, Preston and Blackpool, and were joined by Emma Atkins, known for playing Charity Dingle in Emmerdale on the second day.

Renee Rushton, from Church, in her 70s, was the oldest walker in the group.

She said: "I've really enjoyed taking part and walking with everyone else.

"I do lots of walking so I was fairly used to walking the long distance.

"I think everyone has done really well and done themselves proud."

Adele Helm, one of the organisers for the walk, said the group managed to overcome a great challenge.

She said: "I thought the rain would have made things a lot harder but the walkers managed to get ahead of schedule on the Saturday which showed it takes more than rain to put these people off.

"We wanted to raise money for the charity and raise awareness of the work we do for women across Lancashire and to let other women who feel they need support that they can get it here.

"It's been a fantastic weekend and the work that has gone into it by everyone has been fantastic."

Amanda Greenwood, the charity's CEO said more events similar to this would be planned for the future.