THE SUN broke through rain clouds to shine on big hearted Fylde folk on Sunday as they stepped out for the annual British Heart Foundation Blackpool Walk.

Blackpool's Deputy Mayor, Allan Matthews, officially gave the starting orders at 11am from the De Vere Hotel's pro golf shop after joking that he had brought the sunshine with him in the boot of the mayoral car!

Although 181 people officially registered, only 100 walkers actually took part in the three or six-mile event around the borders of the De Vere golf course and Stanley Park.

And one spritely entrant was 90-year-old Catherine Freegard from Cleveleys. Catherine had never entered a charity event before and chose the BHF because her 86-year-old sister had heart trouble four years ago.

Sponsorship monies raised should easily top the £4,500 mark according to event organiser Carole Gemson.

"This is really terrific and the support is truly appreciated," she said.

"As BHF does not receive any Government funding we rely on monies from events such as this to help us continue our work against heart and circulatory disease -- the UK's biggest killer.

"Your support helps us save lives.

"It was nice to see so many people that support us year on year and those who had joined us for the first time and I hope you enjoyed the walk and will join us next year.

"I would also like to thank The Citizen whose assistance definitely made a difference and is truly appreciated."

To be eligible for prizes, sponsorship monies should be forwarded to: British Heart Foundation, PO Box 635, Longridge, PR3 3XF, by December 1 2001.