A ROTARY club president has praised the hundreds of walkers who raised thousands of pounds for Southend Hospital.

Joint president Ron Price expressed his admiration for all those who gave up their time to support the worthwhile cause during the Great Pier Walk. Mr Price said: “We had queues of people waiting to get walking even before the start time of 10am.

“As well as the choirs there were groups and families, young and old, all keen to enjoy the gentle sea breezes and beautiful sunshine.

“Rotary members were kept busy throughout the day signing in all the walkers.”

Leigh on Sea Rotary Club has been helping Southend Hospital raise many thousands of pounds for their charity appeals and this year’s is the For Wards appeal.

The appeal aims to raise £500,000 for 20 transformational projects across 20 different areas of Southend Hospital.

It is not yet known how much has been raised by the 873 walkers during the 14th year of the event which involves people walking back and forth along Southend Pier.

Among the walkers was a contingent from Southend Boys and Girls Choirs, who will be visiting Australia later this year.

Residents were joined by walkers from Buckinghamshire, Kent and London who took advantage of the chance to visit the seaside town and help a charity.