Britain’s best large coach tour operator stepped up to help hundreds of charity walkers put their best feet forward in a marathon fund-raising effort on the Mendip Hills.

A fleet of Bakers Dolphin coaches ferried walkers to the starting points for three different length walks as part of the annual Mendip Challenge, organised by Weston Hospicecare.

Nine 53-seat vehicles ensured that walkers were in the right place at the right time for the sponsored walks, which covered three routes over the picturesque Mendip Hills last weekend (Sunday 3 June).

Individuals, teams, families and their dogs were all invited to take the West Mendip Way in order to raise money for the Weston-super-Mare-based charity.

Depending on their fitness levels, routes of 10, 20 and 30 miles had been organised.

A total of 873 walkers took part in the event, which has been running for 29 years. That’s 120 more than last year and while the final amount of money raised has yet to be added up, organisers are hoping they will have beat last year’s total of £56,000.

Bakers Dolphin Sales and Marketing Director, Amanda Harrington, said:

“This is the first time we have been involved in this event, and we were only too pleased to be involved in something which raises so much money for such a worthy cause.

“Our staff thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in the amazing atmosphere surrounding the event, and we hope we can be a part of it for many years to come.”

Weston Hospicecare provides palliative care for people living with a life-limiting illness in Weston-super-Mare and the surrounding areas.

Event organiser Kelsey Dehaney said:

“The Mendip Challenge is our biggest event of the year and it would be very difficult for us to make it worthwhile without the fantastic support we receive from the community, sponsors and local businesses.

“We were delighted to have Bakers Dolphin on board with us this year, and were impressed with their professionalism and organisational skills. They helped our walkers get off to the best possible start.”

Bakers Dolphin provides coach travel, UK and continental breaks, school coach services and concert and theatre trips from its base in the South West.

The firm earned the coveted Large Coach Tour Operator of the Year title at the prestigious 2018 British Coach Tourism Awards, and experienced driver Michael Blowers was named Coach Tour Driver of the Year.