Former Mayor of Bridgnorth dresses up as Wally for Bridgnorth Walk

He was among hundreds of people who gathered in the town's High Street on Monday morning for the arduous 22-mile challenge, which took participants through miles of countryside to the top of Brown Clee and back again.

For his efforts, Mr Gill managed to raise just over £300 for Cancer Research UK. He said he believed it was the 11th time he had taken on the challenge, and his fourth consecutive year.

Mr Gill said: "I did better than expected, I finished in four hours and 43 minutes which was faster than I thought because I had struggled with some of the training walks. I've done better fundraising than I did before, I've raised twice as much as I did last year."

While several people dressed up in athletic gear to take on the walk, Mr Gill was one of a number who donned fancy dress to raise money for a number of good causes.

Andy Rawlings was the first adult across the finishing line – the 19th time he has achieved the feat.

Among the new initiatives this year was electronic timing for all competitors.

Northgate Swimming Club was the team with the most entries into the walk with 54 people taking part.

The club's chosen charity for this year is Glaucoma Society, as one of their swimmers has the condition.

Its Bridgnorth Walk team ranged from 10-year-olds to some in their 50s.

Last year the team raised £5,000 for Cystic Fibrosis Trust as they also have a swimmer with the condition.

Ann Clarkson, the club's press officer, said: "I don't know the amount raised yet, we also do a lot of other fundraising events but the walk is one of the biggest.

"The swimming club has 200 members, although some are too young to take part in the walk. Most taking part are parents or helpers."

Friends Ron Lees, 47, and Nikki Stokes, 34, also took part in the event together.

Mr Lees, who works in sales, said: "Nikki made me take part, it's our first time doing it."

They were walking for the British Heart Foundation.