WALKERS wrapped up warm, dug out their walking boots and donned silly hats for the 16th annual Whalley Walk and Ridiculous Hat Competition.

A total of 44 keen walkers and four dogs wore silly hats and joined in the six-mile circular walk from the village, in aid of a good cause, on Tuesday.

The cloudy weather and drizzle did little to dampen the spirits of the walkers, who stopped off at The Game Cock pub for refreshments before continuing over the Nab back to Whalley.

The adult winners for the best hats were Alan Brierley, of Longton, Preston, who wore a huge home-made silver Christmas Cracker hat; Helen Fenton, of Darwen, who donned a home-made hat in the style of a huge pile of Christmas presents; and Shaun Fenton, of Darwen, who wore a home-made hat comprising ‘Celebrations’ chocolates.

Organiser Ivan Hargreaves joked: “Mr Fenton was reprimanded by the judges for eating his hat as the walk progressed!

“All of the winners looked totally ridiculous and are to be congratulated on their success.”

The junior section winners were Harry Williams, of Huncoat, who showed off a Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer hat; Alissa Darbyshire, of New Longton, Preston, who wore a ‘Teddy with Soggy Presents’ hat; Freya Darbyshire, of New Longton, with her Snowman hat; and Joel Whitfield, of Whalley, who wore a Happy Penguin hat.

A collection was held as the walkers arrived back in Whalley, and £80 was raised for The Bethany Project Christian charity.