Hundreds turned out despite the rain to raise money in memory of West Midland schoolgirl Rosie Ross.

The 16-year-old from Aldridge was stabbed to death by a paranoid schizophrenic as she sunbathed in Birmingham’s Centenary Square nine years ago, and people turned out in droves to support a charity set up in her name.

The walk and festival, at Aldridge airfield yesterday, had an Alice in Wonderland theme, and punters certainly did not disappoint with their imaginative costumes. Some even accessorised their pets to join in the three-mile sponsored walk.

The event was launched in 2002 and has since become an annual event  involving hundreds of people. Last year £16,000 was raised for the charity. The Rosie’s Helping Hands charity is devoted to helping improve the quality of life for youngsters within a 15-mile radius of Aldridge. To contribute to the fundraising effort visit www.rosieshelpinghands.org/