A HOSPICE has held its biggest-ever Midnight Walk.

The third annual St Cuthbert’s Hospice Midnight Walk attracted more than 750 women participants and raised about £70,000, beating previous records.

Hospice events coordinator Lucy Baxter said: “We’ve been amazed by the support and enthusiasm for this year’s Midnight Walk. It has been our best year yet by far.”

Women from across the country travelled to Aykley Heads, Durham, to take part in the 10km event on Saturday.

Among them were members of Bad Lashes, stars of ITV1’s The X Factor.

Singer Emily McNamee said: “There’s an electric atmosphere tonight, it really feels magical.

“Everyone is in such high spirits thanks to the great turn out and the music and entertainment, and we are all raring to go.”

The evening began with entertainment from a DJ, fire-eater, stilt walker and aerobics warm-up.

The walk was launched at midnight by TV agony aunt Denise Robertson.

She said: “There is nothing better than having fun and raising money for a wonderful cause, so it is tremendous to see so many people here to do both at the same time.

“It is a credit to women and to the North-East.”

For the first time in three years, the Midnight Walk escaped the rain.

Walker Caroline Bell, from Newcastle, said: “Everyone’s amazed there wasn’t even a drop of rain the whole way round. It was fantastic – a once-in-alifetime experience.

“I will never forget the spectacle of a sea of flashing bunny ears and glow sticks against the backdrop of Durham Cathedral.”

First to finish the walk, in one hour 15 minutes, were Judith Cutter and Beverley Harrison, from Sunderland.