A STAGGERING £30,000 was raised during Sunday's annual Walk the Test Way charity fundraiser.

This year's event smashed all previous records for the amount raised and the number of people taking park. More than 250 people put their best foot forward for the Rotary Club of Romsey Test organised fundraiser.

People who took part had to register at Romsey bus station before setting out and were bussed from the town to starting points at Mottisfont, Stockbridge and Wherwell. Some fundraisers chose to walk sections of the 17-mile route.

Romsey's Hartley brothers Nathan and Daniel representing the charity XLP Research were amongst the fundraisers, along with brave nine-year-old Reece Stains who is severely disabled. Reece took part in aid of the Southampton-based Rose Road Association. His grandfather, David, and others helped lift him over 28 styles and kissing gates along the route. He joined the walk at West Down and covered all 17 miles.

Bob Chegwidden, from the Rotary Club of Romsey Test, paid tribute to Reece's determination. He said: "What an inspiration to others!"

A Romsey-based charity Mountbatten Plus - a special needs holiday club for teenagers - which provides entertainment, outings and sporting events and relies largely on National Lottery funding, was one of the small organisations which benefited from the Walk the Test Way.

Tabitha Burbridge a seven-year-old pupil at Romsey Abbey Primary walked the six miles from Mottisfont to Romsey along the Test Way with her mum Victoria.

"Tabitha ran almost the whole way and she did it in two and a half hours. I couldn't keep up with her. She was amazing and raised about £200 for the Rose Road Association. After the walk Tabitha wanted to go on another after to feed the fish," said Victoria.

UK-based Call Connection was the event's main sponsored and Grahame Kalbrier, ran the Test Way on the company's behalf in just under four hours.

Broughton's Hildon Water also sponsored the walk and provided bottled spring water and refreshments for participants.

Praising all those who took part in the fundraiser Mr Chegwidden said: "All the hard work by the Rotary Club of Romsey Test was rewarded by an excellent turnout, good weather and a smooth operation. It is still too early to say how much we raised in total but early estimates indicate that something in excess of £30,000 will be raised for the benefit of local charities. The Rotary club would like to thank all those who took part, all the helpers and sponsors who helped to make the day a success. Plans are already underway for the fourth Walk the Test Way which will take place the same time next year, so now is the time to start thinking about it and collecting sponsors for your walk next year."