ALMOST £65,000 has been raised for charities in the Ipswich area by this year's Orwell Walk.About 1,200 walkers took part in the event which started at Gainsborough sports centre and took people on a figure of eight route along the Orwell foreshore.

ALMOST £65,000 has been raised for charities in the Ipswich area by this year's Orwell Walk.

About 1,200 walkers took part in the event which started at Gainsborough sports centre and took people on a figure of eight route along the Orwell foreshore.

Walkers could choose whether to complete an 11-mile lap, an 18-mile lap or the full 25-mile course.

The walk has been organised every year since 1977 by the Rotary Club of Orwell East.

This year's perfect walking weather brought out the crowds, said organiser Norman Haines.

He said: "About 15 to 20 per cent of the walkers completed the entire 25-mile course but the majority do the shorter route.

"We always know how many people are registered to complete the walk – but there are some who drop out before the day itself for whatever reason."

More than 200 organisations, the vast majority locally-based, benefited from the event.

A quarter of the money raised by walkers is given to the Rotary Club for distribution to its own supported charities while the rest is donated to the organisation chosen by the walker.

Now last Sunday's event is over, thoughts are already turning to the Orwell Walk of 2006.

That will take place on Sunday June 16 next year.