HUNDREDS of women gathered for a midnight walk to raise thousands of pounds for Darlington hospice.

The 7th annual St Teresa's Hospice Midnight Walk was held at South Park, with walkers completing a 1.5 mile circuit while wearing tiaras, glowsticks and fancy dress.

The sponsored walk is expected to raise more than £20,000 for the hospice.

Walkers were led in a zumba routine to warm up before the start, before the event was officially started by the Mayor of Darlington Gerald Lee.

Hospice director Jane Bradshaw said: “The Midnight Walk is always a wonderful night and this year has been no different. We’re incredibly grateful to all the wonderful people and organisations who support the hospice through this brilliant event and to everybody who takes part and does such a great job raising sponsorship.

"Their efforts all go directly towards the vital work of St Teresa’s Hospice.”

The event was supported by Darlington-based companies Lifestyle Fitness, Sherwoods, Securitas, Morrisons at Morton Park, and 1st Stop Party Shop on North Road.