A GROUP of friends have raised £2,230 on a sponsored walk to help the West Northumberland Food Bank’s Holiday Hunger appeal.

Kirk Barclay, Geoff Cant, Tony Hunter, Gavin Waugh, Keith Boylan and Kathy Keady put on their walking boots to trek the 85 miles from Settle to Hexham along the Pennine Way.

So far this year, West Northumberland Food Bank (WNFB) has supported 337 households in poverty, a 48 per cent increase in demand since the same time last year.

Kirk said: “Not being seasoned fell walkers, we found it very demanding.

“The journey has no recognised footpath,with just points on the horizon and Wainwright’s instruction to guide us. We found ourselves walking through peat bogs, cliff faces, ravines and rivers.

“I was amazed at the enthusiasm and hard work the WNFB are doing for our local community.

“We would like to thank all families, friends, colleagues, Hexham Junior netball club, Hextoldesham Lodge and all the Freemasons Lodges in the Tyne Valley for their support and contributions.”

Project co-ordinator for West Northumberland Food Bank, Sam Gilchrist, said that even before the walk started, local people had pledged more than £600.

“I can’t thank them and their sponsors enough for supporting the food bank this way. It really does show how much people care about others in times of need.”