HUNDREDS of walkers swapped pyjamas for fancy dress as they took a midnight stroll for charity.

The magical world of Alice in Wonderland transformed South Park, Darlington, for the 9th annual St Teresa’s Hospice Midnight Walk at the weekend.

Characters, including Alice and her many friends, have helped raise more than £100,000 for the hospice since the themed event was launched in 2008.

This year 205 walkers walked 1.5 mile around the park to help boost funds as the hospice prepares to open its new ten-bed in patient unit.

The £1.2m unit offers ten private rooms, which open out into the hospice gardens or have their own woodland balcony.

Serving patients in Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire, they are equipped with en-suite wet room, energy-efficient under-floor heating, modern ventilation, television and controllable mood lighting as well as vital medical equipment.

Chief executive Jane Bradshaw said: “I would like to thank our supporters. This is our 30th year and the hospice needs help more than ever.

“Many people walked in memory of loved ones they have lost and there could be no better way of celebrating their lives.”