ALMOST 200 people took part in the fifth Leafy Lanes walk along the tracks and lanes of Dartmoor at the weekend, bringing the total sum now raised for the Oncology Department at Derriford Hospital to £12,500.

The walk, which starts and finishes at the Fox and Hounds at Bridestowe, involves a three, six or nine mile hike and the special guest this year was 15-year-old Bea Holman-Brooks, who gave a wonderful talk at the beginning of the event about her experience of cancer.

Gracie Williams, 14, who instead of having birthday presents organised a wildlife walk and talk with Leafy Lanes instigator David Hocking, with donations to the same cause, was the official starter.

Added to the total was £500 raised by the Tamerton Foliet Quizzers.

Mr Hocking said he was delighted with the success of the walk, which this year would once again top the £2,000 mark.

He also presented the mother of Daniel Bruce, the little boy from Yelverton who died from Leukaemia last year, with a print of the painting he commissioned which depicts Daniel on his favourite Massy Ferguson tractor surrounded by animals.

The original painting has been presented to the Woodcock children's ward at Derriford Hospital.