WALKERS brushed off their boots and strolled through some of West Devon’s most beautiful countryside in aid of the annual Leafy Lanes charity walk on Sunday.

The event saw dozens turn out to raise money for Pals of Plymouth Oncology, Outpatients and Chemotherapy (POOCH). The charity was founded by David and cancer sufferer Laura Washer, who set up the organisation after chatting at the 2011 Leafy Lanes walk.

Walkers could do a three or six mile circular walk, beginning and ending in the gardens of the Bearslake Inn at Sourton. This year’s walk was dedicated to Jason Hardy and Keryn Pope.

Organiser David Hocking said: ‘In 27 years of fundraising, Sunday was the worst weather ever. The day began with beautiful sunshine but quickly turned to two hours of torrential rain and hail.

‘Over 200 walkers splish-sploshed their way around the ninth annual Leafy Lanes walk and what drove them on was the reason they were there — to raise money for the oncology unit.

‘On the day we raised more than £2,000. I’d like to thanks the walkers and their dogs for their tenacity, the Whitely family for their cakes that spurred on the walkers halfway round, vicar Adrian Brook for taking part, special guest Paula Gerry and Amy Perkins who gave us a wonderful send off with her trumpet.

‘I’d also like to thank the Horne family for the use of their field for car parking, Sisters Hair and Beauty Tavistock and the Bearslake Inn for all their support and to everyone who came alog. People came a long way to take part and it means an awful lot.

‘If anyone would like to take part in some fundraising under POOCH, I would be delighted to hear from them.

The walk is one part of a wider fundraising effort for the organisation. Another fundraiser taking place is Leawoodstock, a one night music event at Leawood Estate, Bridestowe on July 29. The event is raising money for POOCH and Exeter-based charity Force.

For further details on POOCH call David on 07899 916959 or email [email protected]

Pictures by James Bird. See this week’s Times for more pictures.