WITH the end of the inaugural Dragon's Challenge in sight, staff of Charles Stanley decided it was time to don their walking shoes and take their dogs for a hike on Dartmoor.

Employees of the stockbrokers' Exeter office enjoyed an invigorating day out as they completed their 'Hound Tour' sponsored dog walk - ending up at Hound Tor.

Six hardy individuals and their four canine friends completed the full 10-mile route, and another keen dog owner joined them for the final three miles.

Among those relieved to reach the finish line were Charles Stanley branch directors David Coard and Paul Lewis.

David said: "It's safe to say the hounds looked rather fresher than their owners."

The Dartmoor Search & Rescue Team, based at Ashburton, provided back-up for the walkers, and to show their appreciation Charles Stanley donated funds for two radio sets to assist them in their future work.

Between them the walkers raised more than £3,500 in sponsorship for the NSPCC's South West Child's Voice appeal.

All the money raised by firms taking part in the challenge will help to expand the services provided by the ChildLine call centre in Exeter. And with two weeks left to go, the prize of a day with Dragon's Den star Deborah Meaden for the top fundraisers is still very much up for grabs.

Elsewhere, staff at Woodbury Park were today donating money in return for dressing in green to mark St Patrick's Day, as well as selling green cupcakes.

And the hotel and golf club has a fundraising double whammy planned for Sunday, March 28. Donations will be collected at the annual wedding fair taking place in the clubhouse, while a 10-a-side rugby tournament for over-30s will see teams compete for a plate and cup, while a hog roast, cider and real ale on hand for their watching families.

Teams from the police, Royal Navy and Royal Marines are among those already signed up to take part.

Entry fees of £150 per team will be split evenly between the NSPCC and Help For Heroes. For more information about the competition, call Wayne Moore on 01395 233382 or email wayne.moore@woodburypark. co.uk.

There is still time to buy tickets for the Midas Group's grand prize draw. BBC Radio Devon's Judi Spiers will pull out the winning tickets on Friday at the ChildLine call centre.

The construction firm has also set up a Justgiving page, where supporters can donate online at www.justgiving.com/ NSPCC-Dragons-Challenge.