IT was best foot forward as those taking part in the Press Ball walk today set off on their mission to walk from Ipswich to Trimley and raise a thousand pounds for charity.

By Jo Macdonald

IT was best foot forward as those taking part in the Press Ball walk today set off on their mission to walk from Ipswich to Trimley and raise a thousand pounds for charity.

About 25 eager walkers headed off from Pipers Vale early this morning on the 11-mile trek along the banks of the River Orwell.

Armed with rations bottles of water and bars of chocolate provided by Sainsbury's to keep their energy up and thirst satisfied the group were focused on the main aim of raising money for Disability Care Enterprise.

Evening Star editor Nigel Pickover, who was joined by his dog Sammy, said: "We hope this will give a significant boost to the Press Ball fundraising. We're keen to extend the Press Ball into more than just one night.

"This is a great day out and it's doing a lot of good at the same time."

Each walker had raised a minimum of £25 each so the total raised by the event was expected to be about £1,000.

Carolyne Morey, of DCE, said she was thrilled by the turnout and people's efforts to raising money for the charity which helps disabled children.

She said: "It's an early start so it's great that people have given their time to come along and get sponsorship. They've put a lot into it.

"It'll be a great walk with nice scenery and, more importantly, we know why we're doing it."

Leading the group of walkers was Suffolk walking writer Michael Anderton, who said the weather and conditions were perfect for walking.

"The weather is brilliant for walking – it's dry and not too warm," he said. "It should be ideal.

"Because we've got an early start the tide will be low and we will be able to get past the difficult bits that are impassable during high tide.

"We'll walk along the beach as far as Nacton and then we'll have nice countryside and the sea wall."

Half way along the 11-mile walk the walkers were given the opportunity to stock up on more water and chocolate and at Levington they were all treated to an ice cream.

But the challenge remained to reach the final destination of Searson's Farm, in Trimley, by lunchtime and be able to rest their tired feet.

Mr Pickover said: "To finish in four hours would be fantastic, to finish in five will be realistic."

n The Press Ball itself takes place at the County Hotel, Copdock, on Friday.