Hundreds of hikers strode out across glorious countryside in a bid to raise thousands of pounds for a cancer charity.

Walkers gathered beneath grey skies at Bracken Hall, Baildon, yesterday for the start of this year’s five-mile Shipley Stride, an annual event which started in 2001.

Earlier in the day, seasoned hikers had set off over the moors in the first 12.5-mile Bah’t At walk to Ilkley Moor.

Many of those taking part in both events have either been personally affected by cancer or have had close friends and relatives who have died.

Proceeds from the event will go to Macmillan Cancer Support for the care of people suffering from the killer disease. Tracy Stead, 37, of Poplar Crescent, Shipley was walking in memory of her dad John Mennell, who died of cancer, aged 67, in November.

She said: “He had fantastic care and this is my way of saying thank you to Macmillan for all their help.”

Mrs Stead was walking with colleagues from Pitts Wilson Electrical, based in Wakefield Road, Bradford, and dogs Ella, five, and Tess, two.

Another walker, Brenda Rennie, 54, of Heaton Crescent, Baildon, joined the event as a mini reunion with her friends from the former Salt Grammar School.

Friends Jane Briggs and Julie Ellis walked with her during the countryside hike.

Mrs Ellis said: “It is a bit of a catch up and we have all been affected by cancer. My father had cancer and I lost a close friend, Anne Young, who was one of the organisers, three years ago.”

One of the original organisers, Jim Thornber, marked his last Shipley Stride by leading out the walkers. He said he would miss the annual walk but added: “I’m 80 and I’ve done my share.”

Laura Riach, fundraising manager for Macmillan, said: “Jim has just been a fantastic asset. He has worked tirelessly with the Shipley Stride and has made it what it is today.”